India Plans Enhanced Oversight for Foreign Airlines Operating Under Bilateral Agreements
India is set to strengthen its regulatory oversight over foreign airlines that operate to and from the country under bilateral air services agreements with other nations. This move aims to align the grievance redressal mechanisms of these operators with India's domestic requirements, ensuring better consumer protection and streamlined operations.
DGCA Proposes Updates to Regulatory Framework
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released a draft "aeronautical information circular" for stakeholder comments, proposing significant updates to the regulatory framework governing the grant of operating authorisation to foreign airlines. The existing framework, issued in June 2020, outlines procedural and regulatory requirements for foreign carriers seeking to operate in India.
A senior official stated, "A mechanism of passenger grievance redressal framework has also been introduced, thereby ensuring that foreign airlines operating under the operating authorisation are aligned with the passenger grievance handling and consumer protection mechanisms applicable in India. The revision is expected to facilitate a more efficient and transparent regulatory process while maintaining the DGCA’s commitment to safety oversight and compliance with international aviation obligations."
Key Changes in the Draft AIC
The new draft AIC seeks to update and clarify provisions to align guidance with current regulatory practices and digital processes. A major change is the integration of the eGCA platform for submission and processing of applications for operating authorisation and schedule approvals. This replaces the earlier largely manual submission process, facilitating electronic processing and reducing bureaucratic delays.
An official explained, "The draft AIC also expands and rationalises the documentation requirements to be submitted by designated foreign airlines, including details relating to Air Operator Certificate, operating specifications, safety oversight arrangements of the State of the Operator, fleet details, security approvals and other regulatory clearances."
Provisions for Unforeseen Operational Circumstances
The proposed AIC introduces provisions to address unforeseen or urgent operational circumstances. Under existing regulations, foreign scheduled airlines require permissions beyond normal office hours for such situations. In the draft AIC, these carriers are allowed to operate their approved flights with certain revisions without seeking prior approval from DGCA, subject to submission of requisite documents and updating information on the eGCA platform.
This amendment, once passed, will mean more oversight for India over foreign airlines operating here, enhancing regulatory efficiency and passenger protection. The move is part of India's broader efforts to modernise its aviation sector and ensure compliance with international standards while safeguarding consumer interests.
