No deadline for deciding civil aviation policy: Gajapathi Raju

Govt expected to revise 5/20 rule which restricts new airlines from flying abroad until they complete five years of operation and have 20 aircraft

Civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has said the government has not set a deadline for finalising the civil aviation policy.

“We had made a presentation on the policy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August. Certain issues were raised related to other departments and we are addressing those issues,” said Raju.

The minister said the policy was in “advanced stages” and would be approved soon. “But I can't give a timeframe,” he added. The policy draft will be put up for public comments before its approval.

The government is expected to revise the 5/20 policy, which restricts new airlines from flying abroad until they complete five years of operations and have 20 aircraft.

The draft policy will also look at rationalisation of airport costs, apart from enhancing regional air connectivity, bringing down jet fuel cost, promoting air cargo, maintenance, repair and operations, helicopter operations, and improving passenger facilitation.