The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is working on making airline rules simpler while still protecting passengers.
DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai shared this at the Indian Chamber of Commerce Aviation and Tourism Summit.
He said the goal is to strike a balance—support airlines’ growth while ensuring passengers’ rights are not affected.
Airlines Facing Rising Challenges
India’s aviation sector is growing fast, but airlines are currently dealing with several problems.
One major issue is longer flight routes, which increase fuel consumption and operating costs. This has happened due to restrictions in certain airspaces.
Tensions in West Asia have also forced airlines to reduce flights to that region.
On top of that, the closure of Pakistan’s airspace for Indian airlines has made journeys longer and more expensive.
Higher Costs, Lower Capacity
Carrying extra fuel for longer routes creates another challenge.
It reduces space for passengers and cargo, which directly impacts airline earnings.
As costs go up and revenues get affected, airlines are going through a difficult phase.
However, officials remain hopeful that the situation will improve in the future.
Government Steps to Support the Sector
To help airlines and passengers, the government has taken some key steps:
Fare caps removed after disruptions faced by IndiGo in December 2025
60% of seats on domestic flights will now be sold without extra charges
These measures aim to make air travel more affordable while also supporting airlines during tough times.
Focus on a Stronger Aviation Future
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai highlighted that several airlines in India have shut down in the past.
This makes it important to create a supportive environment for existing carriers.
The DGCA and the civil aviation ministry are working together to ensure the sector remains strong, while passengers continue to get fair and reliable services.
