Índia

The Indian airport sector is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing in the world. With an increasing number of domestic and international passengers, India has invested significantly in the expansion and modernization of its airports. Air traffic in the country is driven by a rising middle class, domestic and international tourism, as well as trade and business.

The main domestic regulatory bodies overseeing the civil aviation sector in India are:

• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): The primary regulatory body for civil aviation in India, responsible for safety, regulation, and oversight of all air operations, including airline licensing, flight safety, and passenger regulations.
• Airports Authority of India (AAI): Manages the majority of Indian civil airports, air navigation infrastructure, and air traffic control services.

Indian laws and regulations regarding domestic flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding are primarily governed by the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) - Aircraft Passenger Services (2016), along with updated guidelines and amendments. For international flights, applicability may vary, but airlines generally adhere to international conventions such as the Montreal Convention, in addition to their own internal policies.

Passenger Rights in Case of Delays and Cancellations (Domestic Flights in India):

• Material Assistance:
• Delays of 2 hours or more: Airlines are required to provide assistance, which includes meals and refreshments proportional to the waiting time.
• Delays of 6 hours or more: In addition to meals and drinks, the airline must provide hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel if the delay occurs overnight and the flight is rescheduled for the following day.
• Compensation:
• Flight cancellation or delay exceeding 3 hours: If the flight is cancelled by the airline or experiences a significant delay (generally considered to be over 3 hours), passengers are entitled to:
• An alternative flight with the least possible disruption, at no additional cost.
• A full refund of the ticket price should they choose not to travel on the alternative flight.
• Denied Boarding (Overbooking): If a passenger with a confirmed ticket is denied boarding due to overbooking, the airline must:
• Provide an alternative flight at no additional cost.
• Provide financial compensation, the amount of which is determined by the length of the delay to the final destination, in addition to the material assistance described above. Compensation can range from INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 depending on the delay duration.
• Information: Airlines are obligated to inform passengers about cancellations and delays as soon as possible and provide clear information regarding rights and available options.

Note: The rules for international flights departing from or arriving in India may be more complex and influenced by the regulations of the country of origin or destination. However, the Montreal Convention is generally applicable for compensation for damages on international flights.

Baggage regulations in India, especially for domestic flights, are defined by individual airlines but follow guidelines established by the DGCA. There is no national law that specifically mandates a free carry-on allowance, but all airlines include one in their fares.

• Carry-on Baggage: Generally, passengers are entitled to one free piece of carry-on baggage, the dimensions and weight limits of which vary by airline (typically between 7-10 kg).
• Checked Baggage: The checked baggage allowance also varies significantly depending on the airline and the class of travel. Economy fares usually allow an allowance of 15-20 kg, while business and first classes permit higher limits.
• Extra Fees: If baggage exceeds the permitted allowance, airlines charge fees for excess weight and/or additional pieces. These fees are set by the airlines themselves and can be quite high. It is recommended to check the specific airline's baggage policy before traveling.
• Prohibited Items: There are strict regulations regarding items that cannot be carried in carry-on or checked baggage, such as flammable materials, explosives, sharp objects, among others.

The entry of pets into India is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, through the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and the Customs Department. Requirements can be strict and require advance planning.

National Customs and Health Requirements:

• International Veterinary Certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, attesting that the animal is healthy and free from infectious diseases. This must be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate that meets specific timeframe requirements.
• Rabies Certificate: Rabies vaccination is mandatory and must have been administered at least 30 days before travel and no more than 12 months prior. Some countries may have stricter requirements regarding the minimum time post-vaccination.
• Microchip: Most airlines and countries require pets to be identified by an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785), which should be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
• Health Certificate: A health certificate issued by competent authorities in the country of origin, confirming the animal is in good health and fit for travel.
• Import Permit: While not always required for pets, for long-term stays or in cases of uncertainty, it may be necessary to obtain a prior import permit from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• Quarantine: The need for post-arrival quarantine can vary. Generally, if all documents are in order and the animal appears healthy, quarantine may be waived. However, Indian authorities reserve the right to impose quarantine if disease is suspected. The quarantine period, if applicable, can range from 7 to 30 days.
• Airline Approval: Airlines have their own rules for transporting pets, including restrictions on breed, age, weather conditions, and the number of animals allowed per flight. It is essential to check and book well in advance.

Recommendation: It is crucial to contact the Indian embassy or consulate in your country and the Indian Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying in advance to obtain the most current and detailed information, as regulations are subject to change.

India has specific regulations to ensure the safety and rights of traveling minors, especially those traveling unaccompanied.

• Unaccompanied Minors:
• Minimum Age: Generally, children under 12 are not permitted to travel alone on domestic flights unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older. Specific airlines may have slightly different age limits.
• Unaccompanied Minor Service: For minors between 5 and 12 years old (or the minimum age defined by the airline), most airlines offer an "Unaccompanied Minor" service for an additional fee. This service includes supervision by the cabin crew from check-in until handover to the designated guardian at the destination.
• Required Documentation: The minor must carry an authorization letter signed by parents or legal guardians, detailing the minor's information, destination, the person who will receive them at the destination, and emergency contacts. A copy of the parents'/guardians' ID and, ideally, the minor’s birth certificate are also recommended.
• Accompanied Minors:
• Documentation: While there is no formal legal requirement for a specific travel authorization for minors accompanied by one parent or guardian, it is highly recommended to carry an authorization letter from the absent parent, especially in cases of separated or divorced parents. This letter should contain contact details and the reason for the trip.
• Birth Certificate: In some situations, especially on international flights, the presentation of a birth certificate may be requested to prove parental relationship.
• International Travel: For international flights, authorization rules for minors (accompanied or unaccompanied) may be more stringent and depend on the laws of the country of origin and destination, in addition to airline policies.

India has made progress in implementing accessibility measures for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, as well as the elderly, aiming to ensure a more inclusive travel experience.

• Airport Accessibility:
• Wheelchairs: Indian airports generally offer wheelchair services for elderly passengers and persons with reduced mobility. This service must be requested in advance from the airline during flight booking or at least 24-48 hours before the flight.
• Adapted Facilities: Many modern airports in India feature accessible restrooms, ramps, and elevators to facilitate access.
• Boarding/Disembarking Assistance: Airport and airline staff provide assistance during boarding and disembarking.
• In-flight Rights:
• Priority Seating: While not universally guaranteed at no extra cost, some airlines may offer priority or more accessible seating for the elderly or passengers with special needs upon prior request.
• In-flight Assistance: Cabin crew are trained to provide assistance to passengers needing help, such as seating or restroom access.
• Medication and Equipment: Passengers relying on medical equipment (such as CPAPs) or requiring medication must notify the airline in advance and carry the necessary documentation.
• Accessibility Legislation: Although India has laws such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, effective implementation in air transport and airport services can vary. Airlines are guided by the DGCA to provide adequate services for passengers with special needs.

Recommendation: It is essential for elderly or mobility-impaired passengers to inform the airline of their specific needs at the time of booking or as far in advance as possible to ensure all arrangements are made.

Visa and entry requirements for India in 2026 are based on current policies, with expectations of continued use or enhancement of electronic authorization systems.

• Passport:
• Validity: The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into India and have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
• Tourist Visas:
• e-Tourist Visa (e-TV): India offers an electronic visa system, which is the most common and convenient method for the majority of tourists. The e-TV allows entry for tourism, recreation, visits to friends and family, and short-term activities.
• e-TV Types: There are different durations for the e-TV, such as 30 days (double entry), 1 year (multiple entry), and 5 years (multiple entry).
• Application Process: Applications are made online via the official Indian government visa website. It is necessary to fill out a detailed form, upload a digital photo, and a scanned copy of the passport information page.
• Mandatory Electronic Authorization: For most nationalities, the e-TV is the mandatory electronic entry authorization for tourism. There is no direct equivalent to the EU's ETIAS in effect for 2026, but the e-TV serves a similar function as a pre-arrival electronic authorization.
• Other Visas: For purposes other than tourism (such as business, study, work, medical), other visa types must be applied for directly through Indian embassies or consulates abroad.
• New Visas or Electronic Authorizations: At present, there are no formal announcements regarding the replacement of the e-TV with a new electronic authorization system for 2026. The e-TV is expected to remain the primary means for tourists to obtain entry.

Arrival Procedure: Upon arrival at designated Indian airports that process e-TV, passengers must present their passport with the printed electronic visa or displayed on an electronic device, alongside the original passport.

• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA):
• Official website: https://www.dgca.gov.in/
• Civil Aviation Requirements (2016) (reference): Detailed information on passenger rights regarding delays, cancellations, and overbooking is generally available in the regulations or circulars section of the site.

• Ministry of Home Affairs - Indian Visa Portal:
• Official Indian e-Visa Portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
• This is the only official portal for e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) applications.

• Ministry of Civil Aviation:
• Official website: https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/
• Information on policies and aviation sector development in India.

• Airports Authority of India (AAI):
• Official website: https://www.aai.aero/
• Information on airports, services, and infrastructure.

• Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare - Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying:
• While a specific direct link for pet importation may not be readily available, information on health and import regulations can be consulted on the Ministry of Agriculture or the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying websites. Searching for "import of animals India" or "pet import India" on official Indian government sites can lead to the latest guidelines. Often, this information is more easily accessible via Indian embassies abroad.