Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Modernize India’s Aviation Laws

The Lok Sabha today approved the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, a bill aimed at replacing the outdated Aircraft Act of 1934. The new legislation seeks to streamline aviation regulations, reduce ambiguities, and promote growth in the sector.

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu introduced the bill, highlighting the need for a comprehensive overhaul due to the numerous amendments and inconsistencies in the existing law. The new legislation will provide clear definitions for key terms like design, manufacture, and maintenance, and empower the government to effectively regulate the aviation industry.

The minister emphasized the potential of the new law to open up new avenues for air travel, including seaplanes and helicopters. He also outlined the significant growth of India’s aviation sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the number of airports doubling and passenger traffic increasing threefold.

Addressing concerns about rising airfares, the minister attributed the issue to various factors, including increased fuel costs, a shortage of aircraft due to airline closures, and market dynamics. He announced the government’s plans to establish an online grievance redressal mechanism to address passenger complaints.

The passage of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak marks a significant step towards modernizing India’s aviation sector and ensuring its continued growth.