Archive · 7 Nov 2025
DGCA Revises Norms for Aircraft Leasing by Indian Airlines
Imagine airlines sometimes need extra airplanes quickly, maybe because one of their planes is being fixed.
India's aviation safety group, called the DGCA, has made new rules about how airlines can borrow planes from other companies.
These borrowed planes can come with pilots and everything needed (a 'wet lease') or just some of the crew ('damp lease').
The new rules say these borrowed planes shouldn't be too old – less than 20 years for carrying people and less than 25 years for carrying cargo.
The DGCA can also allow a temporary borrowing for up to six months in special urgent situations, even if the airline doesn't perfectly meet all the usual requirements.
These changes help airlines manage their flights better when unexpected things happen, while still making sure everything stays safe.
India's DGCA has revised norms for 'wet' and 'damp' aircraft leasing by domestic airlines.
Wet lease includes aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance; damp lease includes aircraft and partial crew.
Scheduled airlines can now seek DGCA approval for foreign-registered aircraft on wet/damp lease for emergent operational needs.
Aircraft for passenger transport must be less than 20 years old, and for cargo, less than 25 years old.
DGCA can grant a one-time relaxation of minimum EI score for leases up to six months under exigent circumstances.
- Who
- India’s civil aviation safety regulator (DGCA) and domestic airlines
- What
- Revised approval criteria and norms for wet and damp leasing of aircraft.
- When
- Published on November 7, 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To provide operational flexibility to Indian carriers while maintaining safety compliance and addressing emergent operational situations.
Aviation Industry
Safety Regulator (DGCA)
Operational Flexibility
Aviation Industry
The updated framework will provide operational flexibility to Indian carriers.
Safety Regulator (DGCA)
The revised norms aim to balance operational needs with safety compliance standards.
Leasing Criteria
Aviation Industry
Indian carriers can now seek approval for wet or damp leases for emergent operational situations, including a one-time relaxation of minimum EI score for leases up to six months under exigent circumstances.
Safety Regulator (DGCA)
The DGCA has updated the approval criteria for wet and damp leasing, ensuring leased aircraft for passenger transport are less than 20 years old and cargo aircraft are under 25 years old, with the lessor retaining operational control and ensuring airworthiness.
- Regulator
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Regulation Type
- Revised Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) for wet and damp leasing
- Aircraft Age Limit (Passenger)
- Less than 20 years
- Aircraft Age Limit (Cargo)
- Less than 25 years
- Lease Duration with EI Score Relaxation
- Maximum six months
- Approval for
- Emergent operational situations (e.g., grounded aircraft, unforeseen maintenance)
- Exclusions
- Leases for government requirements (e.g., Haj operations)
