The new aviation policy is held up only because of one rule – 5/20. Under this rule, an Indian carrier becomes eligible to apply for the launch of global operations only after flying for five years domestically and it must also have a fleet of 20 aircraft.
Former aviation minister Praful Patel, who had framed this policy in the UPA government period, supports its continuance. He said the government has to ensure a level-playing field vis-a-vis the existing carriers and “should not appear to favour the new entrants”.
