Airport traffic in India is on the upswing, as a result of significant growth in scheduled commercial and low-cost carrier operations. BuisnessAviation (BA) has to keep in mind peak commercial traffic periods along with potential parking challenges while planning trip in India.
The following is an overview of what you need to know:
1. Popular Airports with e-visa and CIQ facilities in India
VAAH (Ahmedabad), VIDP (Delhi), VABB (Mumbai), VOMM (Chennai), VECC (Kolkata), VOTV (Thiruvananthapuram), VOBL (Bengaluru), VOHS (Hyderabad), VOCI (Cochin),VOGO (Goa), VIAR (Amritsar), VEGY (Gaya), VIJP (Jaipur), VILK (Lucknow), VOTR (Trichy), VEBS (Varanasi), VOCI (Calicut), VOML (Mangalore),VAPO (Pune),VANP (Nagpur), VOCB (Coimbatore),VEBD (Bagdogra), VEGT (Guwahati), VICG (Chandigarh), VOVZ (Visakhapatnam), VOMD (Madurai), VEBS (Bhubaneswar),VOPB (Port Blair)
2. Parking considerations
Overnight parking at most of the Indian Airports are available with prior notice. The most challenging airport in India for GA parking is Mumbai (VABB), Jodhpur (VIJO), Chandigarh (VICG) and Goa (VOGO). VABB has a 72-hour GA parking limitation with longer-term parking generally not available. If you want to stay at VABB more than three days, you have to take prior approval and pay penal charges. Chandigarh (VICG) is another airport with parking limitations. Jodhpur (VIJO) and Goa (VOGO) can be challenging due to the paucity of GA parking spots. Be mindful that many Indian airports implement temporary parking restrictions from time to time. It’s always recommended to confirm all parking arrangements well in advance.
3. Airport slots and PPRs
When you operate to larger Airports of Entry (AOEs), airport slots are required. Slots are requested via e-mail / fax from the airport slot coordinator. This is generally done by the agent or handler on the behalf of operator. Currently, the toughest airport in India to secure preferred slot times is VABB. Be mindful that slot deviation depends on the particular airport Prior Permissions. New Delhi (VIDP) is the airport with slot validity of +- 30 minutes.
4. Crew Visa Requirements for India
All general aviation crew arriving in India must carry with them a valid BUSINESS VISA issued by the Indian Embassy / Consulate or an E-BUSINESS VISA available online.
If time permitting, it is recommended that they carry with them a valid Business Visa issued by the Indian Embassy/Consulate.
For applying the Business Visa, some Embassies ask for an invitation/sponsorship letter which VVIP Flight will gladly provide.
5. Towing requirements
While some power in/power out parking spots are available – particularly at smaller airports in India – the standard operating procedure at larger Airport is often a tow or push to the taxiway. Once moved to the taxiway, and ground clearance has been received, the aircraft will be permitted to move on its own power. It is mandatory regulation to carry tow bar on board the aircraft, however tow bar of most of the business aircrafts are available with the handler in airport like VABB (Mumbai) and VIDP (New Delhi).
6. Flight Planning
On day of departure, your ground handler will notify air traffic control, ensure your flight plan is filed with local ATC (Air traffic Controller) and also submit paper work required for departure clearance. Your handler will ensure all airport fees are paid and invoice the operator at a later date. It is NOT mandatory for pilot in command to go to the tower to sign the flight plan. FIC (Flight Information centre) and ADC (Air Defense clearance) number are perquisite to obtain departure clearance (push back / start up permission). These numbers are coordinated by Agent / ground handler and pass on to PIC well before departure.
7. Curfew and Restrictions
It is recommended to check GA restriction and curfew before you operate into India.
