If you are operating a flight into or through Indian airspace, you will come across two clearance numbers that are mandatory before any departure: the FIC and the ADC. Understanding what they are, who issues them, and how to obtain them will save you time and prevent costly delays on the ground.
FIC (Flight Information Centre)
A FIC number is a confirmation code issued by the relevant ATC authority, verifying that your flight plan has been correctly filed, authenticated, and accepted for departure.
Who Issues the FIC?
The relevant ATC unit issues the FIC in coordination with the ATS (Air Traffic Services) units of the Airports Authority of India. The process is handled electronically through ATC and flight planning systems once the required flight plan has been submitted and all operational permits are in place.
When is the FIC Issued?
The FIC number is typically issued as soon as the flight plan is submitted. It is important to file your flight plan well in advance to allow sufficient processing time.
How Long is the FIC Valid?
The FIC is valid from 15 minutes before the filed ETD until 45 minutes after it. If your departure is delayed beyond that 45-minute window, or if there are any changes to the route or aircraft details, a fresh FIC will need to be obtained.
How Crew/Operator Can Obtain FIC
The FIC is normally coordinated on behalf of the operator by:
- An authorised ground handling agency
- A flight support company
- The dispatcher or Operations Control Centre (OCC)
For flights overflying India without landing, the FIC number is generally conveyed through AFTN (Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network). Alternatively, the crew can request the FIC number directly from ATC before entering the Indian FIR (Flight Information Region).
ADC (Air Defence Clearance)
The ADC is a mandatory operational clearance issued for aircraft movements in India, specifically for operations within the Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). It confirms that the flight has been reviewed and cleared from an air defence and national security perspective, and that Indian military air defence authorities have been notified and have approved the operation.
Without a valid ADC, ATC will not normally permit departure. This is non-negotiable.
When is ADC Required?
ADC is required for the following types of operations:
- International flights into or out of India
- Domestic non-scheduled and private flights
- Charter operations
- Ferry flights
- Military-sensitive routing operations
Who Issues the ADC?
The ADC is issued by the relevant Indian Air Defence authorities, specifically the Military Liaison Unit (MLU), in coordination with the Indian Air Force and the Airports Authority of India.
Like the FIC, it is processed electronically through ATC and flight planning systems after the required flight plan has been filed and operational permits obtained.
When is the ADC Issued?
The ADC number is typically issued approximately 1 hour before the filed ETD. Ensuring your flight plan and permits are submitted well ahead of time is essential to avoid any last-minute clearance issues.
How Long Is the ADC Valid?
The ADC follows the same validity window as the FIC: it is valid from 15 minutes before the filed ETD until 45 minutes after. Any delay beyond 45 minutes, a route change, or a change in aircraft details will require a fresh ADC to be obtained.
How Crew/Operator Can Obtain ADC
ADC is normally coordinated through:
- An authorised ground handling agency
- A flight support company
- The dispatcher or Operations Control Centre (OCC)
For international business aviation in India, the supervisory or handling agent will coordinate the ADC process on behalf of the operator as part of the standard pre-departure process.
For overflights, the ADC number is generally conveyed through AFTN. Alternatively, the crew may also request the ADC number from ATC before entering the Indian FIR (Flight Information Region).
The Combined FIC and ADC Process
- In practice, the FIC and ADC are closely linked. Once the flight plan is submitted to ATC, both confirmation numbers are generally issued together as part of the same clearance process.
- The flight plan is only considered fully cleared when both the ADC and FIC numbers have been received and confirmed.
- Prior to obtaining the final departure clearance, the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) may be required to reconfirm both the ADC and FIC numbers with ATC.
If you have any questions regarding the above article or require any assistance for your next trip to India, please feel free to contact our team at ops@vvipflight.com
Disclaimer: Kindly note that the information provided in the above article is subject to change without prior notice. We recommend contacting our operations team for the latest regulations, updates, and accurate information before planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the difference between an FIC Number and an ADC Number in India?
An FIC (Flight Information Centre) Number confirms that a flight plan has been filed, validated, and accepted by Air Traffic Control. An ADC (Air Defence Clearance) Number confirms that the flight has been cleared from an air defence and national security perspective. Both numbers are mandatory for most international and non-scheduled flight operations in India and must be obtained before departure.
- When are FIC and ADC Numbers issued in India?
The FIC Number is generally issued shortly after the flight plan is filed and accepted by ATC. The ADC Number is typically issued closer to departure, usually around one hour before the Estimated Time of Departure (ETD), after the necessary operational and security checks have been completed.
- How long are FIC and ADC Numbers valid?
Both FIC and ADC Numbers are generally valid from 15 minutes before the filed ETD until 45 minutes after the ETD. If the flight is delayed beyond this validity window or if there are changes to the route, aircraft, or flight details, fresh clearances may be required.
- Are FIC and ADC Numbers required for private jet and charter flights in India?
Yes. FIC and ADC clearances are typically required for all flights, including international business aviation operations, private jets, charter flights, ferry flights, and many domestic non-scheduled flights operating within Indian airspace. Operators should ensure both numbers are obtained before departure to avoid operational delays.