Aviation law

What this covers

Civil aviation is among the most closely regulated industries in India. Operating an aircraft, running an airport and leasing an aircraft into the country each need approvals, and each carries its own liabilities.

Agreya Legal advises operators, lessors, financiers, airports and service providers on regulatory and commercial matters. The firm’s founder spent twenty-six years in the legal branch of the Indian Air Force.

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 replaced the Aircraft Act, 1934 as the principal statute. The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Act, 2025 gives effect in India to the Cape Town Convention and its Aircraft Protocol, which matters to anyone leasing or financing aircraft. The Carriage by Air Act, 1972 governs liability to passengers and for cargo.

Typical work

• Permits and approvals for scheduled, non-scheduled and charter operations
• Compliance, audits and enforcement action by the regulator
• Aircraft lease and finance documents
• Registration and deregistration of aircraft, and creditors’ remedies
• Ground-handling, maintenance and airport-services agreements
• Passenger, baggage and cargo claims
• Regulation of unmanned aircraft (drones)
• Aviation insurance and accident-related claims

Who this is for

Airlines and charter operators, aircraft lessors and financiers, airport operators, and ground-handling and maintenance providers.