DGCA tightens rules for foreign airlines operating in country

NEW DELHI: India has tightened rules for foreign airlines operating to and from the country. Now, the DGCA can “revoke or suspend” a foreign airline’s authorisation for lapses like not meeting safety standards. In one of his first orders, DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav said foreign airlines “shall nominate or appoint a local representative” to deal with the regulator.

While Indian carriers must follow consumer protection rules, the DGCA did not have that remit over foreign ones-this changes now. Foreign airlines must set up an effective passenger grievance redressal mechanism, maintain a complaints database, and submit periodic reports to the DGCA.