India: Aviation

Aircraft leasing has emerged as the dominant mode of fleet acquisition in the global aviation industry, enabling airlines to access aircraft without committing significant capital to outright ownership.

India's Ministry of Civil Aviation has introduced the Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2026, establishing a comprehensive certification-driven framework for transporting hazardous materials by air.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (“CBIC”), through Notification No. 31/2026-Central Excise dated 15 June 2026, has amended Notification No. 08/2026-Central Excise dated 26 March 2026 to increase the effective rate of Special Additional Excise Duty (“SAED”) applicable on exports of Aviation Turbine Fuel (“ATF”). Effective from 16 June 2026, the duty has been increased from Rs 9.5 per litre to Rs 12.5 per litre.

The discussion also highlights how policy changes, technological advancements, and sustainable practices are being implemented to reduce logistical costs, improve efficiency, and ensure a greener future for India.

The Union Budget 2026 marks a decisive policy shift for the aviation and aerospace sector by placing manufacturing, MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul), and supply-chain localization at the centre of growth strategy.

Welcome to the first edition of Defence Dispatch, Ikigai Law's new monthly newsletter on India's defence sector. It will track in one place, the developments that are reshaping defence policy, defence manufacturing...

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has released the draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025 (Bill) for public consultation on September 16, 2025, inviting stakeholder comments...

The Aircraft Act, 1934 ("Aircraft Act"), as amended from time to time, governed India's civil aviation sector for more than nine decades. With effect from 1 January 2025, the Government of India ("GoI")...

In a significant and far-reaching ruling, the Mumbai ITAT, in the case of Sky High Appeal XLIII Leasing Company Limited [TS-1085-ITAT-2025(Mum)], discussed in detail the applicability...