The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on February 02, 2024, notified regarding the Open Sky Policy for Non-Scheduled Cargo Flights to/From India.
The Open Sky Policy for foreign cargo carriers promulgated vide AIC 41/2020 has been reviewed by the Government and some changes have been made to facilitate non-scheduled air cargo movement and to give sufficient time to Indian carriers to develop their capacity.
The operations of foreign ad hoc and pure non-scheduled freighter charter service flights shall be allowed at all International Airports in India without co-terminal rights by cargo-only aircraft for a period of three years from the date of issue of this AIC.
Foreign carriers may submit an application/proposal to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to get clearances for such flights as per the procedure specified for the purpose. However, DGCA reserves the right to deny permission to operate cargo flights.
Operators are required to meet the operational and safety requirements while operating such ad hoc/non-scheduled cargo flights.
Indian operators facing any systemic and non-systemic discriminatory and restrictive practices and/or regulatory impediments in operating international cargo flights in any of the foreign countries may bring such issues to the knowledge of DGCA for further suitable action in this regard.
Scheduled cargo operations by foreign carriers shall be governed as per the provisions of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (ASA) with the respective Country.
[Circular No. 02/2024]
