New aircraft rules to take effect from January 2027:Airlines must disclose full fare, tax details at booking; will replace 90-year-old law

The central government has notified the Indian Aircraft Rules, 2026. The rules will come into force on 1 January 2027. Under the new rules, airlines will have to provide a separate breakdown of the fare and all charges when tickets are booked. This information will have to be displayed both on the booking website and on the ticket issued. The breakdown will have to separately specify the fare, taxes, fees, cancellation charges and refund terms, along with the total amount. Details of any other charges will also have to be provided. The Ministry of Civil Aviation will be able to intervene regarding airfares in exceptional circumstances. However, it has not been clarified what will be considered an exceptional circumstance. The Indian Aircraft Rules, 2026 have been framed under the Indian Aircraft Bill, 2024. The bill replaced the 90-year-old Aircraft Act, 1934. The new rules will come into force from 1 January 2027, replacing the Aircraft Rules, 1937. What information will be provided on the ticket Under the rules, airlines will have to display a detailed breakdown of the ticket on the booking website and on the booked ticket. This must list the total amount along with the fare, taxes, fees, cancellation charges, refund terms and any other charges separately. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will monitor the fares set by airlines. Government empowered to intervene in extraordinary situations The rules state that if the central government believes an extraordinary situation has arisen, it may issue a written order. The government will be able to issue necessary and appropriate directions in the public interest. However, the rules do not provide a clear definition of an extraordinary situation. Understand What the New Rules Mean Through These Questions and Answers… Question: What are the new rules? Answer: On 31 October, the government notified the Bharatiya Vayuyan Rules, 2026. They will replace the old Aircraft Rules, 1937, and come into effect on 1 January 2027. Question: What will change for me when booking a ticket? Answer: You will no longer see just one total fare. The ticket will show a separate breakdown of the base fare, taxes and airport charges. It will also specify the cancellation fee and how and when you will receive a refund. Question: Why were cancellation charges not disclosed earlier? Answer: Earlier, airlines often displayed these charges in small print or only after customers reached the checkout stage. Under the new rules, airlines must show the full breakdown on the booking page as well as on the e-ticket. Question: Will the government be able to control rising airfares? Answer: Yes. The rules state that the Central Government can intervene in airfares through a written order if an ‘extraordinary situation’ arises. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will monitor compliance. Question: What qualifies as an extraordinary situation? Answer: This is where things remain unclear. The government has not defined the term. Experts believe it could cover situations such as a pandemic, war, floods, the Kumbh Mela or a sudden three- to four-fold increase in fares on a particular route. Question: Will airfares become cheaper? Answer: Not necessarily, but they will become more transparent. Hidden charges will be disclosed, and the government will be able to step in to curb excessively high fares during emergencies. Question: How are the new rules linked to the old law? Answer: The 90-year-old Aircraft Act, 1934, was repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. The new 2026 rules have now been framed under this legislation. ​