India notifies Bharatiya Vayuyan Niyam 2026 aviation regulations

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified a new regulatory framework, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Niyam 2026, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2027. This new framework replaces the Aircraft Rules of 1937, which had governed the industry for nearly nine decades.

The regulations provide a comprehensive structure covering aircraft registration, manufacturing, maintenance, flight operations, and airport management. Key provisions include mandatory airworthiness certifications, regular inspections, and strict qualification standards for pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers. To improve operational safety, the rules also establish flight and duty time limitations for crew members to prevent fatigue.

A significant component of the new rules is enhanced fare transparency. Airlines, including both domestic and foreign carriers operating in India, must disclose the total ticket price with a detailed breakdown of base fares, taxes, fees, cancellation charges, and refund policies. While the government retains the power to temporarily intervene in ticket pricing during extraordinary circumstances in the public interest, the rules do not impose a permanent cap on airfares.