India Aviation Permits

Reference data only — not for flight planning or navigation. Verify with official sources (AIP, NOTAMs, ATC). Full disclaimer

Help keep this data accurate!
See a next to a field? Click it to confirm the info is still correct. Recently verified Outdated — please verify

Civil Aviation Authority

Name: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
Website: https://www.dgca.gov.in
Contact: DGCA Complex, Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi | Tel: +91 11 2465 3681 | Online portal: https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal

Estimated Processing Time

Slow Overflight: 3 days Landing: 7 days

Requirements by Operation Type

Private flights require DGCA permit and security clearance. Ministry of Defence approval needed for certain routes.

Non-scheduled flights require DGCA permit, 7 business days. Apply online via DGCA portal.

Bilateral agreements via DGCA India.

Overflight Permit

Required: Yes
Authority: DGCA
Lead Time: 24 hours minimum; 7 working days for Prior Reference Countries (PRC)
Validity: +48 hours from approved schedule
Fees: No CAA processing fees; navigation charges based on route flown in Indian FIR

Remarks:

Required for all foreign aircraft transiting Indian airspace. Prior Reference Countries (PRC) -- China, North Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria -- require 7 working days lead time. PIC name and nationality must be provided.

Application Process:

1. Submit overflight request to DGCA at least 24 hours before (7 working days for PRC countries) 2. Provide: complete flight details, crew & passenger count, PIC name and nationality 3. PRC countries (China, North Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria) require extended processing 4. No CAA processing fees; navigation charges based on route 5. Permit valid +48 hours

Landing Permit

Required: Yes
Authority: DGCA / CCA (Chief Controller of Aerodromes)
Lead Time: Standard: 3 working days (flight on 4th day). PRC countries: 7 working days (flight on 8th day). Tech stop/fuel stop: 1 working day (except PRC). Military airports: 15-20 business days.
Validity: +48 hours from approved schedule
Fees: No CAA processing fees; navigation charges depend on route flown

Remarks:

DGCA landing permit mandatory for ALL general aviation flights into India. NATIONALITY-BASED PROCESSING: flights from Prior Reference Countries (PRC) including China, North Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria require 7 working days. PIC name and nationality required. Military airport operations require 15-20 business days.

Application Process:

1. Submit landing permit request to DGCA/CCA at least 3 working days before (7 for PRC countries, 1 for tech stops) 2. Provide: aircraft registration, airworthiness, AOC (charter), insurance (worldwide), noise certificate, crew licenses 3. Provide: PIC name and nationality, full crew & passenger count 4. For PRC countries: allow 7 working days (flight on 8th day) 5. For military airports: allow 15-20 business days 6. No CAA processing fees; navigation charges billed separately 7. Apply via DGCA online portal (dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal) 8. Permit valid +48 hours

Cabotage

No (restricted for foreign commercial operators)

General Remarks

India has nationality-based processing times -- PRC countries face significantly longer lead times. Delhi (VIDP), Mumbai (VABB), and Bangalore (VOBL) are primary GA airports. Military airport operations require very long lead times. Navigation charges based on actual route flown in Indian FIR.

Airports in India View on Map