Parliament on Thursday passed the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024, replacing the 90-year-old Aircraft Act of 1934. This significant legislative move aims to modernise India’s aviation sector, enhance safety measures, and align with global standards. The Bill was cleared in the Lok Sabha on August 9 and passed by a voice vote in the Rajya Sabha.

Key Objectives of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024

The Bill aims to:

  • Replace the outdated Aircraft Act, 1934, which has been amended 21 times.
  • Enhance safety, regulatory oversight, and consumer protection in aviation.
  • Promote self-reliance in aircraft manufacturing and encourage investments.
  • Strengthen governance structures for civil aviation authorities.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu emphasised that the title’s change from English to Hindi showcases India’s heritage and culture, assuring that it aligns with Constitutional norms.

Enhancing Accessibility and Affordability

Naidu highlighted efforts under the Udan scheme, which has improved accessibility by operationalising 86 regional airports and launching 609 routes in eight years. While addressing affordability concerns, he said:

  • Airfare Monitoring: The government monitors ticket prices to ensure airlines do not exploit passengers. Recent data showed a 2–42 per cent reduction in major sector ticket prices during the Diwali season compared to the previous year.
  • Revised Circular: A 2010 Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) circular, which allowed airlines to change prices within 24 hours, will be amended. Airlines must now submit fare details a month in advance, promoting transparency.
  • Fuel Price Reduction Efforts: High VAT on aviation fuel imposed by states like Delhi, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu was flagged as a challenge. Naidu urged MPs to advocate for VAT reductions to lower operational costs.

Strengthening Safety and Data Security

The government has intensified surveillance due to increased threat calls in recent months, with safety remaining a top priority. On the data safety of DigiYatra, Naidu assured passengers that personal data, such as Aadhaar, is stored on their devices and automatically purged after airport use.

Encouraging Investment and Reducing Monopolisation

The bill encourages private sector participation while addressing concerns over a potential monopoly in aviation. Opposition MP Priyanka Chaturvedi raised issues of duopoly by Air India and IndiGo, resulting in high airfares. AA Raheem expressed concerns over the perceived dominance of major players like Adani, Tata, and IndiGo in airports and airspace.

Cultural and Political Implications of Renaming the Bill

The bill’s title change to Hindi sparked a heated debate. While some members supported it as a nod to India’s cultural identity, others opposed it as unnecessary. BJP MP Ram Chander Jangra called Hindi the “country’s pride,” urging members to embrace the language.

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 is seen as a progressive step toward strengthening India’s aviation sector. By modernising the regulatory framework and fostering investments, the bill aims to balance growth, accessibility, affordability, and safety.

As the government tackles challenges like high airfares and infrastructure bottlenecks, it remains committed to making India a leading global aviation hub while safeguarding consumer interests and promoting inclusivity.