The central government has issued new instructions for air passengers about using internet services during flights.
Passengers will be allowed to use Wi-Fi only after the aircraft reaches an altitude of 3,000 meters. This rule is part of the government’s new regulations.
Details of the New Regulations
The new rule, known as the Flight and Maritime Connectivity (Amendment) Rules, 2024, states that internet service through Wi-Fi can only be provided when the aircraft is at least 3,000 meters high and electronic devices are allowed to be used.
The government previously allowed airlines to offer free Wi-Fi in 2020, but certain restrictions were still in place.
Now, the Civil Aviation Ministry has clarified that passengers can use Wi-Fi during flights under two main conditions.
First, the captain of the flight will have the authority to turn the Wi-Fi on or off.
Second, Wi-Fi can only be activated once the plane is flying steadily at take-off speed. It must be turned off during take-off and landing.
Reason Behind the Decision
The government created these rules to prevent interference with mobile networks on the ground.
In 2020, the government had allowed airlines in India to offer free Wi-Fi during flights, which led to lifting previous restrictions on electronic device use.
According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, passengers can now use Wi-Fi, but with two important conditions:
1) The pilot has the authority to turn Wi-Fi on or off during the flight.
2) Wi-Fi can only be activated when the plane is at a stable speed, and it must be turned off during take-off and landing.
