Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced stricter regulations for foreign airlines operating to and from India, granting itself powers to suspend or revoke authorisation over safety, ownership, or compliance lapses.
Under new directives issued by DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav, foreign carriers must appoint a local representative to coordinate with the regulator. They are also now required to implement structured passenger grievance systems, maintain complaint records, and submit periodic reports.
Previously, foreign airlines were not fully subject to India’s consumer protection framework, but the updated rules now bring them under closer oversight. This ensures better accountability and alignment with standards already applicable to Indian carriers.
Additionally, airlines failing to operate scheduled services for four consecutive traffic seasons risk suspension of their route authorisation. The move aims to strengthen passenger rights, safety compliance, and operational discipline in India’s aviation sector.
