DGCA Prepares New Rules for Electric Air Taxis in India

Key Takeaways

• DGCA released eVTOL guidelines in September 2024 covering vertiport design and type certification; regulations anticipated by March 7, 2025.
• Six dedicated DGCA working groups focus on critical eVTOL areas: certification, vertiport development, pilot licensing, air traffic, and maintenance standards.
• India targets trial air taxi operations in 2026, with ongoing partnerships like Sarla Aviation’s “Shunya” and The ePlane Company advancements.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India 🇮🇳 has made significant strides in creating a regulatory environment for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This initiative places India at the forefront of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), laying the foundation for innovative urban transportation solutions that aim to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and global alignment. With eVTOLs promising to redefine how people and goods travel across cities, the DGCA’s efforts demonstrate India’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge aviation technologies.

Ongoing Developments and Initiatives by DGCA

As of March 7, 2025, the DGCA is actively crafting regulations to address the unique nature of eVTOL aircraft and operations. A significant milestone occurred in September 2024 when the DGCA released guidance documents focusing on the ‘Design, Operation and Authorisation of Vertiports’ and the ‘Type Certification’ of eVTOL aircraft. These serve as the cornerstone documents for the overall regulatory framework.

The DGCA has established six specialized working groups to ensure that all critical aspects of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) are addressed comprehensively. Each group targets a vital component of eVTOL integration, such as:

1. Vertiport Development: Designing and regulating the new infrastructure essential for eVTOLs to operate.
2. eVTOL Certification: Setting stringent standards for technology and airworthiness.
3. Crew Licensing Protocols: Preparing unique certifications tailored to eVTOL pilots.
4. Airport Operator Regulations: Establishing new requirements for airport authorities handling eVTOL operations.
5. Air Traffic Management (ATM) Concerns: Dealing with air traffic flow to safely accommodate an increased number of low-altitude vehicles.
6. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Compliance: Developing standards to ensure ongoing operational safety.

Currently, the teams addressing vertiports and eVTOL certification have published their recommendations, marking significant achievements in these critical areas. The remaining groups are expected to address other key operational aspects in the near future. The DGCA is not working in isolation—it is also consulting global aviation authorities to elevate its framework to match international standards.

Focus Areas Within the Regulatory Framework

The DGCA’s approach to bringing eVTOLs into India’s airspace includes several specialized focus areas to ensure safety, operational clarity, and infrastructure development. The major areas covered by this regulatory framework are:

1. Airworthiness Certification: Aircraft used for eVTOL services must comply with stringent certification processes. These processes will validate the safety, reliability, and environmental sustainability of the aircraft.

2. Pilot Licensing: Considering the technological complexities of eVTOL aircraft — including semi-autonomous and fully autonomous systems — the DGCA is designing new training and licensing protocols for the pilots. Operators must acquire certifications that differ from traditional commercial pilot licenses.

3. Operational Procedures: The DGCA aims to define standardized procedures for eVTOLs, covering take-offs, in-flight behavior, emergency responses, and landings. Structured operational guidelines ensure consistent and reliable performance.

4. Vertiport Regulations: Vertiports are essential hubs for eVTOLs to take off and land. The DGCA is finalizing regulations for creating these facilities, including location guidelines, safety protocols, and infrastructure designs.

5. Air Traffic Management (ATM): As eVTOL flights increase over time, integrating them seamlessly into existing air traffic systems is crucial. The DGCA is working to align eVTOL operations with current ATM protocols to prevent congestion or safety risks in shared airspaces.

6. Unmanned Aircraft Traffic Management (UTM): In tandem with ATM, the DGCA is developing UTM systems to specifically cater to drones and smaller unmanned eVTOLs. This dual-system integration will de-conflict low-altitude operations in urban airspaces.

Each of these elements contributes towards establishing a robust operational framework for India’s ambitious entry into the realm of AAM.

Infrastructure and Practical Challenges Ahead

To accommodate the entry of eVTOL aircraft, India must invest in supportive infrastructure, beginning with vertiports and well-mapped air routes. The government is already planning to establish essential facilities across urban areas, as these aircraft are expected to play roles beyond passenger transport, including logistics and emergency response.

The forthcoming challenge for Indian cities lies in balancing vertiport installations within crowded locations while ensuring minimal disruption to existing airport infrastructure. Another pressing issue includes preparing air traffic control systems to handle low-altitude vehicles without compromising the safety of traditional commercial flights.

Integrating unmanned aircraft into India’s airspace is an associated challenge. With UTM systems under active development to complement ATM, India is moving towards seamless advanced airspace functionality. This integration is expected to not only optimize air traffic flow but also address potential conflicts between manned and unmanned vehicles.

Industry Initiatives and Advanced Air Mobility Progress

The concept of eVTOL operations in India is no longer theoretical. Several domestic and international companies are stepping into the air taxi market, intending to begin services in the next few years. Notable contributors include:

• Sarla Aviation: In February 2025, unveiled “Shunya,” India’s first six-seater flying taxi that caters to urban mobility requirements.

• The ePlane Company: Based in Chennai, it achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first Indian company to secure the DGCA’s approval for an eVTOL type certification in January 2025. The company plans test flights in 2025 and aims to launch air taxi services as early as 2026.

• InterGlobe Enterprises: This aviation giant, parent to IndiGo Airlines, has already ordered 200 electric air taxis from Archer Aviation, with deployment marked for 2026.

• JetSetGo: Collaborating with Japan’s SkyDrive, this private jet operator is considering launching commercial eVTOL services in Gujarat.

The Indian government has also unveiled plans to launch air taxi services in metro cities such as Delhi 🇮🇳 and Bangalore 🇮🇳 by 2026. Trial operations are expected to lay the groundwork for scaling the service to other urban regions. These pioneering developments indicate a serious commitment to establishing India as a hub of AAM innovation.

Aligning with International Standards

To ensure a globally competitive regulatory framework, DGCA is collaborating extensively with international aviation authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and other respected bodies like the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). By harmonizing its rules with international best practices, India aims to ensure that eVTOL operations align seamlessly with global aviation policies, allowing for cross-border compatibility in the future.

International partnerships also help in information-sharing and adopting proven strategies to manage operational challenges. Harmonization with global norms is expected to ensure that eVTOL aircraft certified in India can operate internationally without additional barriers or regulatory discrepancies.

Anticipated Benefits and Broader Implications

The expected benefits of eVTOL integration extend across multiple domains. These include:

1. Urban Mobility: eVTOLs offer potential solutions to traffic congestion through air taxis, providing faster, more efficient alternatives for travelers moving across crowded cities like Mumbai 🇮🇳 and Chennai 🇮🇳.

2. Emergency Services: eVTOL aircraft could be transformational in delivering rapid-response medical aid, including as air ambulances, especially in cities with geographical or infrastructural constraints.

3. Economic Growth: The eVTOL ecosystem promises to create thousands of jobs in sectors like manufacturing, maintenance, pilot training, and vertiport management.

4. Cargo Transport: With urban logistics becoming increasingly complex, eVTOL operations can streamline delivery of goods for e-commerce and other time-sensitive industries.

Final Thoughts

The DGCA’s rigorous approach to crafting a regulatory framework for eVTOL aircraft reinforces India’s emergence as a global leader in aviation innovation. By focusing on safety, infrastructure, technology, and international harmonization, India is preparing to meet the growing demands of urban air mobility. With trial operations planned for 2026 and industry stakeholders investing heavily in eVTOL technologies, India is on the brink of rewriting its aviation story.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this transformative step by the DGCA demonstrates India’s resolve in advancing its aviation sector into the future of mobility. For those interested in diving into regulatory specifics, the DGCA has detailed updates accessible on their official site.

By ensuring safe integration, India is not just adapting to eVTOL technology—it is setting the stage for a revolutionary new chapter in transportation and mobility systems.

Learn Today

eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) → Aircraft capable of vertical take-off/landing, powered by electric motors, used for urban air mobility solutions.
Vertiport → Specialized infrastructure designed for eVTOL aircraft take-offs, landings, and maintenance, facilitating advanced air mobility operations.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) → Innovative urban transportation concept using air vehicles like eVTOLs to move passengers or cargo efficiently in cities.
Type Certification → Official process ensuring safety and regulatory compliance of aircraft design and technology before operational usage is permitted.
Unmanned Aircraft Traffic Management (UTM) → System designed to manage and integrate unmanned aerial vehicles like drones within urban airspaces safely.

This Article in a Nutshell

India’s DGCA is revolutionizing urban mobility by embracing eVTOL aircraft. With pioneering regulations for vertiports, pilot licensing, and airworthiness, India positions itself as a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility. As trials begin by 2026, eVTOLs promise faster, safer city travel, transforming logistics, emergency services, and economic growth. The future flies here!
— By VisaVerge.com

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