India Introduces New Aviation Rules After Nearly 90 Years; To Take Effect from January 2027

The Central Government has introduced a comprehensive set of new regulations for India's civil aviation sector, replacing the Aircraft Rules of 1937, which have been in force for nearly 90 years. Named the Bharatiya Vayuyan Niyam-2026, the new regulations will come into effect on January 1, 2027. The framework aims to address the requirements of India's rapidly expanding aviation industry. It introduces a clear system for aircraft design and certification, strengthens India's position as a State of Design and allows authorisation for the manufacturing of aircraft components. Another major provision is fractional ownership, which will allow multiple individuals to jointly purchase an aircraft. The new framework also introduces the IDERA mechanism to simplify aircraft leasing and deregistration procedures, potentially reducing acquisition and leasing costs.

The regulations aim to balance the commercial interests of airlines with passenger welfare by improving transparency in airfares and other charges. They also empower the Central Government to intervene directly during exceptional circumstances. The framework consists of eight chapters, six schedules and 220 provisions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will receive additional regulatory powers, including the authority to issue type certificates for aircraft, engines and propellers designed in India. It can also issue immediate directions when aviation safety is at risk. Significant changes have also been introduced in personnel licensing. The new rules specify eligibility, medical standards, training and experience requirements for 23 categories of licences and ratings, covering everyone from student pilots to Airline Transport Pilots, as well as flight engineers.