DGCA Rules: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has tightened rules for foreign airlines operating to and from India. It has now been announced that DGCA would be at full liberty to “suspend or revoke” the authorization of a foreign airline for lapses such as not meeting safety standards. The move is aimed at improving the comfort, safety and convenience for passengers across the country.
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It was announced by DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav in one of this first orders that a local representative may be appointed or nominated by foreign airlines to deal with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation DGCA.
Revision Of DGCA Rules-What’s New?
Under the revised DGCA Rules, foreign airlines would be required to maintain a complaints’ database, create an effective passenger grievance redressal mechanism and submit regular reports to the DGCA.
The governing body would be at full liberty to revoke or cancel authorization of a foreign airline including control and/or ownership not vested with the designating country or a failure to maintain stringent security & safety standards.
Unless deemed urgent, action will follow consultations with the designating government and an airline’s authorization for an airport would be deemed suspended if it fails to operate schedules to and/or from an airport in the country for 4 traffic seasons.
It was also remarked that all foreign airlines plying in the country should apply for additional flights at least 7 working days in advance while ensuring they are within the approved airports slots and bilateral traffic rights.
Benefits For Passengers
Till now, foreign airlines in India were not covered directly in the same manner as Indian carriers on obligations on passenger complaints. This would help in improving the passenger convenience quotient while encouraging foreign airlines to deliver exceptionally high levels of customer service to delight passengers travelling within or outside the country.