The Union government approved a much awaited plan to replace a decade-old rule for allowing new domestic airlines set up in India to fly on international routes. The new norms were a part of the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016.

The new plan allows new airlines, such as Vistara and AirAsia to fly to international routes after operating at least 20 aircraft in the domestic market.

The Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju describe the policy as a "game changer". “NCAP NDA govt clears India's first ever integrated National Civil Aviation Policy. This will be a game-changer for the sector,” he said.  

The previous norm known as ‘5/20 rule’ allows a domestic airline to go international only after completing five years of domestic flying and operate at least 20 aircraft.

“This is to ensure that any new airlines starting business in India should essentially serve the remote parts of the country,” a ministry official said.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) had said last month, that, "India's domestic traffic soared 21.8 per cent, marking the 20th month of double-digit traffic growth and the 13th consecutive month it has led the domestic markets.”

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Nandini