Bharatiya Vayuyan Rules, 2026 Notified

On October 31, 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation notified the Bharatiya Vayuyan Rules, 2026. Effective from January 1, 2027, they will replace the Aircraft Rules, 1937.

Key Facts

Legal Framework: The new rules have been framed under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, the primary legislative framework governing India's civil aviation sector.
Regulatory Scope: The rules cover aircraft registration, design, manufacturing, certification, maintenance, flight operations, licensing of aviation personnel, and airport regulation.
Airworthiness: Provisions are included for certification, periodic inspections, maintenance, and approvals for design and repairs to ensure aircraft airworthiness.
Personnel Licensing: Rigorous standards for training, examination, experience, and medical fitness have been laid down for pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs), and air traffic controllers (ATCOs).
Flight Safety: Flight operations mandates include provisions on flight planning, safety protocols, and flight crew duty time limitations (FDTL).
Airfare Transparency: Airlines must explicitly disclose the total ticket price, breaking down the base fare, taxes, additional fees, cancellation charges, and refund policies.
Monitoring of Fares: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will monitor airfares. Under extraordinary circumstances, the Central Government retains the power to issue directives on fares in the public interest.
Airport Regulation: The updated rules incorporate comprehensive standards regarding licensing, operational standards, and safety management of aerodromes.