The United States has approved an amended foreign air carrier permit for Air India, permitting the airline to conduct passenger, cargo, and charter flights between India and the US. The US Department of Transportation finalized the order this week after no objections were raised during the public comment period. This permit enables Air India to operate scheduled international passenger, cargo, and mail transportation involving the United States.
The amended permit, effective since March 2, 2026, allows Air India to operate flights from points behind India, via India and intermediate points, to destinations in the US and beyond. Additionally, the airline can conduct scheduled cargo transportation between the US and other international locations. Charter flights carrying passengers, cargo, and mail between India and the US are also authorized under this permit.
To comply with US aviation regulations and security requirements, Air India must maintain valid authorization from the Government of India and adhere to international aviation safety standards. The airline applied for this amended permit and exemption authority in October 2025 to incorporate operational rights it already possessed under the US-India air transport agreement.
The US and India have a bilateral aviation agreement that facilitates flights between the two countries. The growth in air travel between the US and India in recent years is attributed to business connections, tourism, and the significant Indian community in the US.
