1 week ago

India Confirms Six Authorised Air Sports Operators Amid Unlicensed Growth

India has rules for companies that offer activities such as balloon rides and skydiving.

The Civil Aviation Ministry says only six companies currently have official permission.

Three companies can provide passenger activities using hot air balloons or motor gliders.

Three others can conduct aerial work connected with skydiving.

Together, these operators use 17 aircraft and balloons.

The aviation regulator checks whether their equipment is safe.

Officials say some unapproved businesses still offer activities such as paragliding and joyrides.

Penalties, suspensions and cancellations can be used against operators that break the rules.

Key facts

Authorised operators: Six operators are authorised under the applicable permits and approvals.
Passenger air sports operators: E-Factor Adventure Tourism, Rajas Aerosports and Adventure, and Aryan Aviation.
Aerial work operators: Global Konnect Aviation Services, Go Forth Adventures, and Macsen Aviation.
Combined fleet: The six operators manage 17 aircraft and balloons.
Regulatory framework: The National Air Sport Guidelines, 2023, replaced the National Air Sports Policy, 2022.
Safety oversight: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued 12 special airworthiness certificates and conducted three safety audits in 2025-26.
Enforcement: The framework allows penalties, suspensions and operational cancellations for unauthorised operations.

freepressjournal.in · 1 week ago