New Delhi, 03 November (H.S.): The Central Government has notified the Bharatiya Vayuyan Rules, 2026, replacing the nearly 90-year-old Aircraft Rules, 1937. The new regulations will come into force across the country from January 1, 2027.

The specific changes introduced under the new framework, compared with the existing regulations, could not be immediately ascertained.

According to the notification, airlines will be required to provide passengers with a detailed break-up of airfares and all applicable charges at the time of booking. The information must be displayed both on booking websites and on the tickets issued to passengers.

The disclosure will include the total amount payable, with separate details of the base fare, taxes, fees, cancellation charges and refund conditions. Airlines will also be required to disclose information about any other applicable charges.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will monitor the fares fixed by airlines.

The new regulations have been framed under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, which replaced the Aircraft Act, 1934.

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Niyam, 2026 also empower the Central Government to intervene in airfares under extraordinary circumstances. The rules do not, however, specify what would constitute such circumstances.

According to the provisions, if the Central Government is of the opinion that an extraordinary situation has arisen, it may issue written directions that it considers necessary and appropriate in the public interest. Any such directions must be proportionate to the circumstances and remain in force only for the specified period.

The new framework also requires scheduled airlines to determine their tariffs based on factors including operating costs, submit tariff details to the DGCA and publish them on their websites or other digital platforms to ensure greater transparency.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar