DGCA

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the statutory regulatory body of the Government of India, responsible for overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the region. Its jurisdiction covers aircraft certification, aircrew licensing, aerodrome regulation, and, fundamentally, the protection of air passenger rights within Indian territory. The agency operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and is the supreme authority in enforcing Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs). Its geographical scope extends to all domestic flights operating within India and international flights departing from Indian airports, focusing on safety, efficiency, and compliance with ICAO standards.

Official changes from this authority that affect passengers appear in this guide's updates as they are published. Each one is checked against the official document before it goes live.

The DGCA enforces strict policies regarding tariff transparency:

• Unbundled Tariffs: Airlines are permitted to charge separately for services such as seat selection, meals, and checked baggage, but must present the final price clearly during the booking flow.
• Basic allowance: airlines may sell cheaper hand-baggage-only fares with no checked bag; on other domestic economy fares, the usual standard is 15 kg of checked baggage.
• Extra Fees: Any charges for excess baggage must follow a public and non-discriminatory price list, prohibiting predatory or hidden fees that are not explicitly detailed on the operator’s website at the time of purchase.

The transport of animals is strictly governed by safety and health regulations:

• In-Cabin: Permitted only for small animals (including the carrier, generally up to 7-8 kg), subject to prior airline authorization.
• In-Hold (Checked Baggage): Larger animals must be transported as live cargo, following IATA guidelines (Live Animals Regulations - LAR).
• Requirements: Presentation of a veterinary health certificate (issued within the last 30 days), vaccination records (up-to-date rabies vaccination), and a statement that the animal poses no sanitary risks is mandatory. The owner is responsible for ensuring the carrier is leak-proof and well-ventilated.

• Seating Together: The DGCA has issued guidelines obligating airlines to ensure that minors under 12 are seated next to at least one parent or accompanying adult, at no additional booking cost.
• Equipment: Strollers and car seats (aviation-certified) may be taken to the boarding gate and checked at no cost, without being counted toward the passenger's baggage allowance.
• Bassinets: The use of bassinets for infants is offered upon prior request, subject to aircraft availability and the child's weight/age.

Protection for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility is covered under CAR Section 3, Series M, Part I:

• Wheelchair: Airlines are required to provide free assistance (wheelchair) from the terminal to the aircraft seat, which must be requested at the time of booking or up to 48 hours before the flight.
• MEDIF Form: The Medical Information Form (MEDIF) is required only for passengers who need oxygen support, stretchers, or have clinical conditions that may be aggravated by air travel.
• Priority: Full priority in boarding and disembarking for elderly passengers and persons with recognized disabilities (physical or intellectual), without resulting in extra costs or service limitations.

• DGCA Main Portal: https://www.dgca.gov.in
• Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) - Section 3 (Air Transport): https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/?page=jsp/dgca/InventoryList/civilAviationReq/section3/s3-airTransport/s3-airTransport.html
• Passenger Rights (Complaint and Information Portal): https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/?page=jsp/dgca/InventoryList/airTransport/passengercar/passengerCharter.html
• Accessibility Standards: https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/?page=jsp/dgca/InventoryList/civilAviationReq/section3/s3-airTransport/s3m-airTransport.html