If any foreign airline wants to start flights in India, then it will have to prepare well in advance. DGCA has issued new guidelines, under which no foreign airline can land in India without formal permission. Under the bilateral air service agreement between India and that country, first the government of that country will have to formally nominate the airline. Only then will the registration and further process start on the eGCA portal of DGCA.
At the time of registration, the airline will have to provide complete information related to AOC, company registration, headquarters address and management structure. Complete details from CEO to country head will also have to be given. Also, a local representative will have to be kept in India, who should be an Indian citizen or a registered organization here, because all the communication with DGCA will be done through him.
Application must be submitted 90 days in advance
Operating authorization must be applied for at least 90 days before the start of the flight. Along with this, complete details of the planes, information about accidents of the last 5 years and details of maintenance and ground handling arrangements in India will also have to be given.
Permission will be given for maximum 5 years
Operating authorization will be given for a maximum of 5 years. If any deficiencies in security standards are found or ownership rules are violated, the permission may be immediately suspended or revoked.
If you don’t fly for 4 seasons then your permission will end.
Another strict rule is that if an airline does not operate flights to an Indian airport for four consecutive IATA traffic seasons, its permission for that airport will be automatically suspended. Also, the airline will have to take the slot first and submit the flight schedule to DGCA at least 30 days in advance.
Arrangements also for passengers’ complaints
DGCA has also taken care of the passengers. Every foreign airline will have to create a complaint redressal system, so that passengers do not have to wander in case of any problem.
