India’s civil aviation framework is set for a transformation as Parliament approves the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, replacing the Aircraft Act of 1934. This legislative overhaul introduces contemporary measures while expanding regulatory oversight to keep pace with modern aviation demands.
The Bill, tabled in the Lok Sabha on July 31, cleared the lower house on August 9 before receiving the Rajya Sabha’s nod today.
Key aviation bodies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), will remain under the Central government’s aegis. However, their regulatory scope now extends to aircraft design in addition to manufacturing, ownership, and trade.
Stricter penalties for aviation-related offenses are a hallmark of the new law. Hazardous acts like reckless flying or compromising airport security through activities such as animal slaughter near airport zones could result in fines up to ₹1 crore or imprisonment of up to three years.
For the first time, the law introduces a second appeal mechanism, providing a structured pathway for addressing penalties.
However, not everyone is on board with the changes. Observers have raised concerns about retaining the DGCA as a government-controlled regulator, contrasting it with independent regulatory bodies in other sectors like telecom and insurance.
Additionally, provisions allowing the government to appoint arbitrators in compensation disputes and prescribe criminal penalties have drawn criticism. These measures may challenge constitutional principles, including the separation of powers and judicial independence.
With its ambitious reforms, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, aims to elevate India’s aviation landscape but leaves room for debates on its broader implications.
