Overview

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) now requires all commercial airlines to keep aircraft window shades closed during takeoff and landing at defence airports near the western border until reaching 10,000 feet, with exceptions only for emergency exit rows.
• Photography and videography are prohibited at military bases during passenger transit to prevent unintentional sharing of sensitive security information.
• Airlines must conduct mandatory pre-flight announcements instructing passengers to comply with the new rules, with violations subject to regulatory or legal action.
• Operators are required to establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance safety and security at dual-use airports serving both civilian and military operations.
• These measures follow recent hostilities near the western border, including the April 22 Pahalgam attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor, which temporarily closed 32 airports.