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DGCA Eases Airline Rules Amid Rising Costs & Airspace Challenges

The DGCA is working to relax regulations for airlines while safeguarding passenger rights, according to its chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai. He highlighted significant operational hurdles, including longer routes and higher costs due to airspace restrictions over Pakistan and tensions in West Asia. These challenges force airlines to carry extra fuel, reducing passenger and cargo capacity and hitting revenues. Recent supportive measures include the withdrawal of fare caps and a mandate for 60% of domestic seats to be offered without additional charges.

Key Points: DGCA Eases Airline Regulations to Support Growth & Passengers

  • Easing regulations for airline growth
  • Balancing passenger rights
  • Airspace restrictions raise costs
  • West Asia tensions reduce services
  • Fare caps withdrawn to aid sector
2 min read

DGCA aims to ease rules for airlines amid rising challenges

DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai announces relaxed rules for airlines facing high costs from airspace restrictions, while protecting passenger rights.

"India's aviation market is one of the fastest-growing in the world, but airlines are currently dealing with several operational hurdles. - Faiz Ahmed Kidwai"

New Delhi, March 26

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is working to make regulations easier for airlines while also protecting passenger rights, its chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai said on Thursday.

Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce Aviation and Tourism Summit here, Kidwai said the regulator is trying to strike a balance between ensuring passenger rights and helping airlines grow.

"India's aviation market is one of the fastest-growing in the world, but airlines are currently dealing with several operational hurdles," he noted.

"These include longer flight routes and higher costs due to restrictions on certain airspaces," Kidwai explained.

Kidwai pointed out that the ongoing tensions in West Asia have added to the pressure, forcing airlines to reduce services to the region.

"At the same time, the closure of Pakistan's airspace for Indian carriers has made flights longer, increasing fuel consumption and costs," he stated.

He explained that carrying extra fuel reduces the capacity for passengers and cargo, which in turn affects airline revenues.

"Operating costs go up, and these are big challenges for the sector," he said, adding that the industry is going through a difficult phase but expressed hope for improvement in the future.

Highlighting the need for policy support, Kidwai said several airlines in India have shut down in the past, and it is important to create a supportive environment for existing carriers.

As part of recent measures, the government has withdrawn fare caps that were imposed after operational disruptions faced by IndiGo in December 2025.

It has also decided that 60 per cent of seats on domestic flights will be offered without additional charges, aiming to benefit passengers.

"Such steps are part of broader efforts by the DGCA and the civil aviation ministry to strengthen the sector while ensuring that both airlines and passengers are supported during challenging times," Kidwai said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Protecting passenger rights is key! 👏 While helping airlines is important, we've all faced last-minute cancellations and lost baggage. I hope "easing rules" doesn't mean compromising on safety or consumer grievance redressal. The 60% seats without extra charges sounds good, but will the base fare itself shoot up?
R
Rohit P
The fuel cost issue is real. Every time I fly to Europe or the Middle East now, I feel the ticket price has a "Pakistan surcharge" built into it. It's a national challenge. DGCA and the government need to work on long-term solutions, maybe even faster adoption of more fuel-efficient aircraft.
S
Sarah B
As a frequent traveler for work between Delhi and Dubai, the reduced services and higher costs are really biting. The balance is tricky - airlines need to survive to serve us, but not at the cost of reliability. Removing fare caps might lead to volatility. Let's see how this plays out.
K
Karthik V
Good to see a pragmatic approach. The Indian aviation sector has seen too many airlines like Kingfisher and Jet Airways go bust. A supportive regulatory environment is crucial for healthy competition and for the common man to keep getting affordable air travel. Jai Hind!
M
Meera T
With all due respect to the DGCA chief, I'm a bit skeptical. "Easing regulations" has often in the past led to corners being cut. My main request: please, please improve the chaos at major airports like Delhi and Mumbai. The experience from check-in to baggage claim needs as much attention as airline rules.

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