NEW DELHI: In a bid to support the growth of Indian airlines' international operations, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced the streamlining of the approval process for Indian carriers to commence flights to new foreign destinations.

According to a statement from the DGCA, a comprehensive review of the current regulatory requirements has been conducted in consultation with relevant stakeholders, resulting in a significant reduction in the checklist that airlines must adhere to.

Previously, Indian airline operators were required to satisfy a 33-point checklist to assess their readiness for operating in a new foreign destination.

"However, with the aim of simplifying and expediting the process, the DGCA has now condensed the checklist to a concise 10-point assessment that specifically evaluates an airline's preparedness for the intended operations. This revision eliminates redundant and general provisions from the previous checklist, reducing the documentation and compliance burden on operators," stated the DGCA.

The revised checklist encompasses crucial aspects pertaining to an airline's preparedness for launching services in a new international destination. It is expected to significantly streamline the approval process, enabling Indian carriers to expand their global presence more efficiently.

"The objective of this streamlining is to simplify and facilitate the process for Indian carriers to initiate operations in new international destinations, thereby reducing the documentation and compliance requirements imposed on operators. This systematic reform comes at a crucial time when Indian carriers are ready to expand their international footprint," added the DGCA.

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