India Moves to Replace 90-Year-Old Aircraft Act

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, aimed at replacing the 90-year-old Aircraft Act, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha by Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. This bill seeks to modernize India's aviation framework, aligning it with international standards and addressing ambiguities present in the current law. It incorporates definitions for design, manufacture, and maintenance of aircraft, and establishes clear demarcation of responsibilities among aviation authorities. While the bill has potential to enhance the aviation sector and stimulate economic growth, concerns have been raised regarding the centralization of power, as appeals against decisions made by agencies like DGCA will be directed to the union government without further recourse. The bill has already passed in the Lok Sabha and is seen as a significant legislative step following ICAO recommendations. Naidu emphasized the need for robust legal backing to support the expanding aviation market, which has seen substantial growth over the past decade.