Operating a flight into a defence airfield in India involves far more than a standard landing permit. In addition to DGCA Landing permit clearance, operators may also require an Air Operation Routine (AOR) Number, a special approval needed for flights using Indian Air Force aerodrome or Naval aerodromes.
This requirement typically applies to non-scheduled, military, diplomatic, and special mission operations involving defence-controlled airports.
What is an AOR Number?
An Air Operation Routine (AOR) Number is a defence operational clearance issued for flights operating into military airfields in India. It serves as an additional layer of approval for operations involving sensitive defence infrastructure.
For flights landing at defence aerodromes, AOR approvals are generally coordinated through DGCA in coordination with Air Headquarters or Naval Headquarters, depending on the defence aerodrome involved. As part of the application process, operators must provide complete details of all foreign pilots, crew members, and passengers onboard, including passport information.
Who Requires AOR Clearance?
AOR clearance is generally required for:
- Non-scheduled charter flights operating into defence airports
- Military or defence-related operations
- Flights carrying foreign nationals at Military airport
- Air ambulance or special mission flights at Defence airports
- Civil aircraft operating with military call signs
If a civil aircraft is conducting a military-related operation using a military call sign, both DGCA clearance (YA number) and AOR clearance become mandatory. In such cases, the application must be coordinated with the Ministry of Defence and DGCA through the Ministry of External Affairs.
How Does the Approval Process Work?
For operations involving Indian Air Force aerodromes, approvals are coordinated through Air Headquarters. Flights operating into coastal or naval defence aerodromes require approval from Naval Headquarters.
Operators are advised to submit a formal proposal to the Air HQ or Naval HQ at least one month before the planned date of operation. The proposal typically includes:
- Name of the defence aerodrome
- Proposed dates of operation
- Aircraft type
- Flight schedule
- Foreign crew details
- Foreign passenger details
- Additional documentation may also be requested depending on the nature of the operation and security requirements.
Since defence airports operate under strict security protocols, authorities carefully review every request before issuing approval.
Validity of an AOR
In many cases, AOR clearance is generally valid within a window of plus or minus two hours from the approved Estimated Time of Departure (ETD). Delays beyond this timeframe may require revised coordination or fresh approval subject to defence authority discretion.
Conclusion
Flights operating into defence airfields in India require careful planning, detailed documentation, and early coordination with multiple authorities. Since military aerodromes involve heightened security and operational sensitivity, obtaining an AOR clearance is a critical part of the approval process.
For operators planning charter flights, diplomatic missions, military support operations, or air ambulance services into defence airports, understanding the AOR process can help avoid delays and ensure smoother flight operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is an AOR Number in India?
An AOR (Air Operation Routine) Number is an operational clearance required for flights operating into Indian military or defence-controlled airports. It acts as an additional approval beyond standard DGCA flight clearances and is generally mandatory for civil aircraft operating into defence airfields.
- Which types of flights usually require AOR approval?
AOR clearance is commonly required for non-scheduled charter flights operating into defence airports, military or diplomatic operations, air ambulance and special mission flights using defence aerodromes, flights carrying foreign nationals into military airports, and civil aircraft operating under military coordination or call signs.
- How far in advance should operators apply for AOR clearance?
Operators are generally advised to begin the approval process at least 2 to 4 weeks before the planned operation. This is especially important for foreign-registered aircraft, international operators, or flights involving foreign crew and passengers, as additional security clearances may be required.
- Which authorities issue AOR approvals in India?
AOR approvals are coordinated through the relevant defence authority depending on the airport involved. For Indian Air Force aerodromes, approvals are typically handled through Air Headquarters (Air HQ). For naval airfields, coordination is managed through Naval Headquarters along with DGCA and other government agencies, wherever applicable.
- What documents are usually required for AOR processing?
The documentation required may vary depending on the airport and mission type, but operators are generally asked to provide aircraft registration and operator details, flight schedule and routing, crew and passenger passport information, purpose of the flight, aircraft type and call sign details, DGCA clearance references, and any additional diplomatic or ministry approvals if required.
- Which are the most commonly used defence airports in India that fall under the jurisdiction of Air Headquarters (Air HQ) for business aviation and charter operations?
Some of the commonly used Indian Air Force-controlled airports for business aviation and charter operations include Jamnagar (VAJM), Jodhpur (VIJO), Gwalior (VIGR), Hindon (VIDX), Chandigarh (VICG), Agra (VIAG), Tezpur (VETZ), and Bagdogra (VEBD). Approval timelines and operational requirements may vary depending on the airport, aircraft type, and nature of the operation.
- Which are the most commonly used defence airports in India that fall under Naval Headquarters for business aviation and charter operations?
Naval airfields used for civil and charter operations are relatively limited and usually involve stricter coordination requirements. Some commonly referenced naval airports include Goa – INS Hansa (VOGO), Port Blair (VOPB), and Kochi (VOCI) in specific operational scenarios. These flights typically require advance coordination with Naval Headquarters along with other aviation and security authorities.
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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.