MHA opens window for foreign business jets

In May, the govt had said that employment visas would also be required for intra-country movement

The ministry of home affairs (MHA) has started issuing temporary landing permits (TLPs) to air crew of foreign-registered business jets.

“The ministry of civil aviation and the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) had written to them (to restart doing so), as it was severely affecting the movement of foreign-registered business jets into the country,” said Rajesh Bali, secretary, Business Aircraft Operators’ Association (BAOA).

In May, the MHA had stopped issuing TLPs to air crew of non-scheduled operators (NSOPs) flying into the country, citing security concerns. NSOPs could only fly in with crew visas, which took up to five weeks to process, depending on the country of application. According to industry sources, nearly 60 per cent of the 24,000 general aviation aircraft movements registered every month had been affected due to the sudden change in regulatory norms. Most of these flights were coming from America, Canada and countries in Europe.

MHA, through the bureau of immigration, now issues TLPs for up to 72 hours for air crew of foreign-registered non-scheduled operators (NSOPs) to fly into the country. According to the norms notified this month, TLPs for up to seven days are being issued free of cost. Beyond the initial week, applicants would have to shell out $ 40 for extended stay.

Bali added, “Earlier the government had also made it mandatory for air crew on foreign NSOPs to have employment visas to fly within India. This clause, too, has been done away. A crew visa would be sufficient for intra-country movement. Processes have been put in place to issue crew visas within three days.” In May, the government had said employment visas would also be required for intra-country movement. This has also been done away.

To fly within the country after landing, the NSOPs would have o secure permits for up to 15 days from the DGCA. For longer trips of up to 60 days, approvals have to be secured from the ministry of civil aviation.

Bali said, “With foreign direct investment norms being liberalised, there is a need for more business trips into India. Because of these changes, both business and tourism earnings were being impacted. The changes made in norms earlier this month is a positive development.”

The cancellation of general aviation flights had additionally meant that airport operators at places such as Delhi and Mumbai were losing at least Rs 30,000 per aircraft in landing, parking and navigation charges (for aircraft up to 50 tonnes).