Only 6 Air Sports Operators Authorized In India

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed that only six air sports operators are officially authorized to conduct non-scheduled passenger and aerial work operations in India.

These operations include hot air balloon rides, motor gliding, and skydiving. The revelation highlights the tight regulatory oversight by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) at a time when unlicensed recreational aviation activities continue to proliferate across popular tourism hubs.

The statement came during a recent Lok Sabha session in response to a parliamentary question raised by MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy regarding the implementation of national air sports regulations. Responding to queries on behalf of the ministry, Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu tabled details clarifying that air sports operations are currently governed by the National Air Sport Guidelines, 2023.

The framework, which superseded the National Air Sports Policy, 2022, operates under the Air Sports Federation of India (ASFI) to establish safety, security, flight permission, and licensing standards across the country. Three operators have been authorized under the non-scheduled operator's permit, which includes E-Factor Adventure Tourism with nine hot air balloons, Rajas Aerosports and Adventure with two hot air balloons, and Aryan Aviation with two motor gliders.

Similarly, three operators have been permitted for aerial work authorization, including Global Konnect Aviation Services with two P68C aircraft, Go Forth Adventures with one Cessna 182P aircraft, and Macsen Aviation with one GA-8 aircraft, all used for skydiving. The DGCA maintains strict airworthiness oversight over regulated equipment, including gliders, microlights, light sports aircraft, gyroplanes, and balloons in accordance with the Aircraft Rules, 1937.

In 2025-26, the regulator issued 12 special airworthiness certificates, conducted three safety audits, and a dedicated surveillance drive. With only six approved entities managing a combined fleet of 17 aircraft and balloons, industry observers note that dozens of unapproved regional outfits providing tandem paragliding, joyrides, and parasailing are operating outside DGCA certification.

However, aviation authorities reaffirmed that enforcement provisions, including penalties, suspensions, and operational cancellations, remain active under the NASG 2023 framework to curb unauthorized operations. The strict regulations and oversight by the DGCA aim to ensure the safety and security of air sports operations in India.

The authorization of only six air sports operators highlights the need for stricter regulation and enforcement in the industry. The DGCA's efforts to maintain airworthiness oversight and conduct safety audits are crucial in preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of passengers.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Civil Aviation's confirmation of only six authorized air sports operators in India emphasizes the importance of regulatory oversight in the industry. The strict guidelines and enforcement provisions in place aim to prevent unauthorized operations and ensure the safety and security of air sports operations in the country.

The impact of this regulation on the air sports industry in India will be significant, as it will help to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of passengers. The DGCA's efforts to maintain airworthiness oversight and conduct safety audits will also help to boost confidence in the industry and promote safe and secure air sports operations.

The regulation will also have a positive impact on the tourism industry, as it will help to promote safe and secure air sports operations, which will attract more tourists to India. The strict guidelines and enforcement provisions in place will also help to prevent unauthorized operations, which will help to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of passengers.

Overall, the authorization of only six air sports operators in India is a significant step towards promoting safe and secure air sports operations in the country. The strict regulations and oversight by the DGCA will help to prevent accidents and ensure the safety and security of air sports operations, which will have a positive impact on the industry and the tourism sector as a whole.

The regulation is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy, as it will help to promote safe and secure air sports operations, which will attract more tourists to India. The strict guidelines and enforcement provisions in place will also help to prevent unauthorized operations, which will help to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of passengers.

In the long run, the regulation is expected to help boost the air sports industry in India, which will have a positive impact on the economy. The strict regulations and oversight by the DGCA will help to prevent accidents and ensure the safety and security of air sports operations, which will help to promote safe and secure air sports operations in the country.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation's confirmation of only six authorized air sports operators in India is a significant step towards promoting safe and secure air sports operations in the country. The strict regulations and oversight by the DGCA will help to prevent accidents and ensure the safety and security of air sports operations, which will have a positive impact on the industry and the tourism sector as a whole.

What it means for India is that the country is taking significant steps towards promoting safe and secure air sports operations. The regulation will help to prevent accidents and ensure the safety and security of air sports operations, which will have a positive impact on the industry and the tourism sector as a whole. The strict guidelines and enforcement provisions in place will also help to prevent unauthorized operations, which will help to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of passengers.

In conclusion, the authorization of only six air sports operators in India is a significant step towards promoting safe and secure air sports operations in the country. The strict regulations and oversight by the DGCA will help to prevent accidents and ensure the safety and security of air sports operations, which will have a positive impact on the industry and the tourism sector as a whole.