Overview
- India’s aviation regulator issued the order on Friday under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, replacing 2014 and 2021 advisories and extending coverage to SPG Z+ protectees, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Union Cabinet ministers, the Chief Justice of India, Governors and Chief Ministers.
- Pilots and aircraft engineers now have explicit final authority to delay, divert or cancel flights, with VIPs barred from pressuring crews and any last‑minute itinerary changes routed through operator management, plus mandatory pre‑flight briefings for VIP passengers on operational limits.
- Twin‑engine aircraft with two crew are required for such flights, and Pilot‑in‑Command thresholds rise to at least 3,000 flying hours for fixed‑wing and 2,000 hours for helicopters, with added experience rules for co‑pilots reported in several outlets.
- Safety upgrades include mandatory weather radar on board, strict weather minima, pre‑flight risk assessments for each mission and a zero‑tolerance policy on unresolved technical defects before departure.
- Operations to remote airstrips or temporary helipads require written landing permission from district authorities at least 24 hours in advance with confirmed firefighting and rescue support, and election flying must be overseen by a named manager, with graded penalties for violations.