Government Notifies New Aircraft Rules, Implementation Set for January 2027
New aviation framework requires airlines to disclose ticket charges, cancellation fees and refund conditions while granting the Centre powers to intervene in exceptional circumstances.
NEW DELHI, Nov 2: The government has notified a new set of aviation rules requiring airlines to disclose a detailed breakdown of ticket prices, including cancellation fees, taxes and other charges, at the time of booking.
The Bharatiya Vayuyan Niyam, 2026, notified on October 31, also empowers the civil aviation ministry to intervene in airfare matters during an “extraordinary situation” in the public interest.
However, the rules do not specify the circumstances that would qualify as an extraordinary situation.
Framed under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, which replaced the nearly nine-decade-old Aircraft Act, 1934, the new provisions aim to bring greater transparency to airline pricing and passenger-related charges.
Under the revised framework, airlines must display a clear breakdown of the total ticket cost on their booking platforms and issued tickets. This must separately mention the base fare, taxes, fees, cancellation charges, refund terms and any additional costs.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will oversee the tariffs charged by airlines to ensure compliance with the prescribed requirements.
The rules further authorise the Centre to issue written directions whenever it considers that exceptional circumstances require intervention in the public interest.
The Bharatiya Vayuyan Niyam, 2026, will come into force on January 1, 2027, replacing the Aircraft Rules, 1937. The precise extent of changes introduced compared with the existing framework was not immediately clear.
