New Delhi: The government has notified a new set of rules governing India’s civil aviation sector, replacing the nearly nine-decade-old Aircraft Rules, 1937. The new rules called the Bharatiya Vayuyan Niyam, 2026, will come into effect on 1st of January, next year. The rules provide the regulatory framework on various aspects of the aviation sector including aircraft registration, manufacturing, safety certification, maintenance, flight operations, personnel licensing and airport operations.
Airlines operating scheduled air services are required to determine fares based on factors such as operating costs and submit tariff details to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The provision allows the Centre to issue written directions if it determines that an extraordinary situation has arisen and intervention is necessary in the public interest. The new rules also mandate greater transparency in airfare pricing, requiring airlines to publish their fares on official websites and other digital platforms. The DGCA will continue to monitor tariffs set by scheduled airlines. One of the key areas covered by the rules is the registration and certification of aircraft.