Author: Likhitha Eedara

Introduction Cabotage rights in aviation, often described as the most restrictive element of air transport regulation, refer to the ability of foreign airlines to operate domestic flights within a sovereign nation. Globally, cabotage is rarely granted and is considered a privilege rather than a right, primarily because aviation is not just a commercial activity but also a matter of national security, sovereignty, and economic strategy. In India, cabotage is explicitly prohibited under the existing legal framework, but the unprecedented growth of the aviation sector and calls for further liberalization raise important questions: Should India continue to uphold a strict ban…

Introduction In recent years, the civil aviation sector in India has undergone exponential growth, establishing the country as the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world. Flight delays, cancellations, denials of boarding, lost luggage, and other service-related complaints are on the rise along with the number of passengers. The creation and implementation of precise, enforceable, and passenger-focused legal protections have been made necessary by this expansion. In order to protect the interests of passengers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has established a number of guidelines under the Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs). However, the current regulatory framework still has…

Introduction The aviation industry in India has become one of the fastest-growing markets globally, fueled by increasing passenger traffic, policy reforms, and infrastructure development. However, the sector’s financial underpinnings—especially aircraft leasing—have long remained vulnerable due to a lack of legal clarity and enforcement mechanisms for repossession and asset protection. While India became a signatory to the Cape Town Convention and its Aircraft Protocol in 2008, the absence of implementing legislation hindered its effectiveness. Lessors and financiers continued to face procedural hurdles and enforcement delays in repossessing aircraft upon lessee default, thereby inflating the cost of leasing in India. The Protection…