The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has suggested tightening regulations for foreign airlines operating to and from the country. The proposal includes requirements such as mandatory digital registration, increased legal responsibility for local representatives, and the establishment of a formal passenger complaint system. The DGCA aims to enhance its oversight of foreign airlines through these measures.
Foreign airlines will need to transition to a digital-first compliance system using the eGovernance of Civil Aviation (eGCA) portal. This online platform, managed by the DGCA, handles licensing, approvals, and regulatory submissions. To access the portal, foreign airlines must provide verified credentials and designate a competent local representative in India.
Under the proposed framework, the local representative of a foreign airline must be an Indian national or a registered Indian entity. This individual will be accountable for ensuring regulatory compliance on behalf of the airline. The representative will be required to report any aviation incidents to the DGCA promptly, maintain updated information on the eGCA portal, and adhere to specified deadlines for any changes in representation.
The draft circular also introduces the concept of “deemed suspension” for airlines that do not utilize their authorizations to operate at specific Indian airports for an extended period. If a foreign carrier fails to operate flights to a particular Indian airport for four consecutive International Air Transport Association (IATA) seasons, the DGCA reserves the right to suspend the airport authorization.
A new passenger grievance redress mechanism is outlined in the draft proposal for foreign carriers operating in India. This mechanism mandates airlines to maintain a formal grievance register and submit regular reports to the DGCA to ensure transparency and consumer protection in handling passenger complaints. Stakeholders have until April 9 to provide feedback on the draft before the final compliance framework is established.
