India’s aviation regulator issued one of its most comprehensive safety directives in decades, laying down strict new rules for flights carrying the country’s top political and constitutional figures.
In an order dated March 27, 2026, Director General of Civil Aviation Faiz instructed all operators, pilots and state governments that safety is non-negotiable, giving more power to the crew. This order came two months after a chartered jet carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed near Baramati, killing him and four others.
The order supersedes two older circulars, both of which had guided VIP aviation operations for decades. It covers a wide list of dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, Central and State Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers, Governors, the Chief Justice of India and SPG protectees in the Z+ category.
The most notable provision was that no one can pressurise the pilot. "Any last-minute changes to the planned flight due to VIP requirements should be coordinated through the organisation’s management only, and not directly with the crew," the order stated.
Operators must also brief VIPs before every flight via a standard pamphlet, reminding them that flight decisions rest entirely with the crew.
The order also lifted the qualification bar for the crew. Commanders of fixed-wing aircraft must have at least 3,000 total hours, including 2,000 as pilot-in-command and 75 hours on the specific aircraft type. Co-pilots need 500 total hours and 100 on type. For helicopters, the PIC must hold 2,000 total hours, 500 as PIC and 75 on type, while co-pilots need 300 total hours and 50 on type, the order stated.
Aircraft standards have also been made stricter. This includes a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, a serviceable weather radar, and zero tolerance for unresolved defects before the next flight. The order also mandates written clearance from district authorities, down to the level of DM, SDM, SSP, SP or SHO, at least 24 hours before any helipad or temporary airstrip is used.
On election flying, which the order described as "highly demanding" given long hours, hurriedly prepared helipads and congested airspace, each operator must nominate a responsible compliance officer and file weekly flight duty and time limitation returns to the DGCA. Penalty for non-compliance ranges from a formal caution all the way to cancellation of the Air Operator Permit, the order noted.
