Archive · 5 Sep 2025
DGCA Proposes Allowing Older Aircraft Imports
The aviation authority in India, the DGCA, wants to change the rules about old airplanes.
Right now, airlines can only import planes up to a certain age, but because it's hard to get new planes, the DGCA wants to let them import older ones.
Specifically, they want to allow pressurized planes (the kind used on most flights) up to 20 years old and unpressurized planes (like small training planes) up to 25 years old.
This change would help airlines get more planes, especially through leasing.
The older the plane, the more checks and maintenance they will have.
DGCA proposes amending rules for aircraft import.
The proposal would allow import of planes up to 20 years old.
Currently, pressurized aircraft up to 18 years old are permitted.
Unpressurized aircraft can be imported up to 20 years of age.
This change aims to aid airlines facing supply chain issues.
- Who
- DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation)
- What
- Proposing amendments to allow import of older aircraft
- When
- Announced September 5, 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address supply chain issues and increase leasing options
- Proposed Amendment
- Allow import of aircraft up to 20 years old
- Current Limit (Pressurized)
- 18 years
- Current Limit (Unpressurized)
- 20 years
- Aircraft Types Affected
- Pressurized and unpressurized aircraft
- Reasoning
- Address global supply chain issues
- Aircraft Age Limit (Pressurized)
- 20 years or 65% of design life
- Aircraft Age Limit (Unpressurized)
- 25 years (case-by-case)
