New Airline Rules in India 2025: What Passengers and Aviation Professionals Must Know
New Airline Rules in India 2025: What Passengers and Aviation Professionals Must Know
New Airline Rules in India 2025: What Passengers and Aviation Professionals Must Know. India’s aviation sector, one of the fastest-growing in the world, is undergoing a significant regulatory shift in 2025. These changes reflect the government’s efforts to enhance safety, streamline operations, and increase accessibility in the aviation ecosystem. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the key regulatory authority, has issued multiple new rules that impact passengers, airlines, and aviation professionals alike.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the most recent and upcoming airline regulations you should be aware of:
1. Mandatory Closure of Window Shades Near Defence Airfields
The DGCA has directed all commercial flights to ensure window shades remain closed during take-off and landing at airports located near defence installations, especially along India’s western borders. This mandate is primarily a security measure aimed at preventing visual documentation of sensitive zones. The rule applies to all passengers except those seated near emergency exits. Crew members are responsible for enforcing this directive. Non-compliance could result in strict penalties or flight disruptions.
This rule follows increased concerns regarding national security and surveillance threats in border-adjacent airspaces.
2. Inclusion of Non-Science Students in Pilot Training
Traditionally, students aspiring to become commercial pilots in India were required to have studied Physics and Mathematics at the Class 12 level. However, in a major policy shift, the DGCA has proposed to remove this eligibility restriction, thereby opening the doors for arts and commerce students to pursue Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPL).
Under this rule, authorities will require students who did not study Physics and Math in school to complete a bridge course in both subjects before beginning flight training. The initiative aims to make aviation careers more inclusive, although some experts have raised concerns about maintaining safety standards.
This reform is currently under review by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and may come into force later in 2025.
3. Revised Flight Duty and Rest Time Norms for Pilots
In a significant move to improve pilot well-being and reduce fatigue-related errors, the DGCA has updated its Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations. The new rules, being rolled out in phases starting June 2025, include:
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Increasing weekly rest hours from 36 to 40 hours (with a further increase to 48 hours under consideration)
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Reducing night landings for pilots by October 2026
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Stricter controls on duty hours during consecutive night shifts
These reforms follow long-standing demands by pilot unions for better work-life balance and align Indian regulations more closely with global aviation safety practices.
4. Passenger Data Transmission for Foreign Airlines
As of April 2025, foreign airlines operating in India are required to share passenger information 24 hours before flight departure with Indian Customs. Airlines must register with the National Customs Targeting Centre for Passengers (NCTC-Pax) system. This rule enhances border security, identifies high-risk travelers in advance, and ensures smoother immigration procedures.
Failure to comply may result in penalties of ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per incident, and repeated violations could jeopardize the airline’s operating license in India.
5. Temporary Exemptions for Long-Haul Flight Crews
Due to airspace restrictions over Pakistan and resulting rerouting of international flights, the DGCA recently issued a temporary exemption for Air India to operate long-haul flights with extended duty hours for flight crew. Between late April and early May 2025, the DGCA permitted Air India crews to work longer shifts — up to 24 hours with mandatory rest periods — to ensure continued service on critical international routes.
This exception highlights the flexibility of Indian aviation authorities during unforeseen geopolitical challenges.
6. Proposed Expansion of “No-Fly List” to Include Ground Staff Abuse
A new proposal under consideration by DGCA seeks to extend the scope of the “No-Fly List” to include cases of abuse against ground staff at airports. Previously, the list only applied to in-flight offenses. Airlines could bar passengers from flying for a specified period if they verbally or physically abuse check-in, security, or baggage personnel.
Conclusion
New Airline Rules in India 2025: What Passengers and Aviation Professionals Must Know. Thus, the aviation landscape in India is rapidly evolving to meet the needs of a growing passenger base, heightened security concerns, and global safety standards. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, aspiring pilot, or part of the aviation workforce, staying updated on these rules is essential.
From better pilot fatigue management to enhanced passenger data protocols and inclusivity in pilot training, these regulations signify a proactive approach by Indian authorities toward a more robust, secure, and inclusive aviation sector.
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