DGCA Holds Airlines Responsible for Deporting Smuggled Animals

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a new circular stating that airlines transporting unauthorized live animals will be solely responsible for their immediate deportation. This move aims to tackle the illicit transport of livestock and exotic pets into India.

The new rules, outlined in Operations Circular 02 of 2025, establish a strict protocol for handling instances of 'unbeknownst imports' - live animals brought into the country by passengers without required customs clearances or declarations. The DGCA has stated that the airline that transported the undeclared live animal shall be solely responsible for deportation in accordance with applicable laws.

All costs associated with deportation, including animal handling, in-transit welfare, documentation, and repatriation logistics, shall be borne by the airline. The civil aviation regulator has instructed all domestic and international operators flying into India to implement rigorous screening measures, such as training check-in desk agents, gate attendants, and cabin crews on Indian customs restrictions, AQCS mandates, and international animal transport rules.

Airlines have been directed to prominently display clear signage and explicit passenger advisories regarding restrictions on importing live animals across terminal areas and booking platforms. They are also expected to establish internal preventive mechanisms capable of flagging and intercepting undeclared fauna before aircraft departure.

The general carriage of animals by air continues to be governed by Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 9 of 1985, but the new directive lays down explicit steps for handling non-compliant imports. Carriers must obtain explicit clearances and orders from Indian Customs and AQCS before flying an animal back to its port of origin.

Furthermore, airlines must guarantee full compliance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations, securing proper veterinary clearances and ensuring in-transit animal welfare throughout the return journey. The DGCA's move is expected to strengthen preventive measures and ensure that airlines take responsibility for deporting smuggled animals.

The new rules come after repeated reports of undeclared animals being flown into Indian territory. The DGCA, along with Indian Customs and the Animal Quarantine & Certification Services (AQCS), has mandated immediate repatriation to the point of origin.

In a bid to prevent unauthorized animals from reaching Indian airspace, the civil aviation regulator has taken a stern stance. The move is expected to have a significant impact on the aviation industry and is seen as a major step towards tackling the illicit transport of livestock and exotic pets into India.

The DGCA's decision is a welcome move, as it will help to prevent the smuggling of animals and ensure that airlines take responsibility for their actions. The new rules will also help to strengthen India's animal welfare laws and prevent the exploitation of animals for illegal trade.

In conclusion, the DGCA's new circular is a significant step towards tackling the illicit transport of livestock and exotic pets into India. The move is expected to have a major impact on the aviation industry and will help to strengthen India's animal welfare laws. Airlines will now be solely responsible for deporting smuggled animals, and will have to bear all costs associated with deportation.

The new rules will also help to prevent the smuggling of animals and ensure that airlines take responsibility for their actions. The DGCA's decision is a welcome move, and is seen as a major step towards preventing the exploitation of animals for illegal trade.

Overall, the DGCA's new circular is a significant move towards tackling the illicit transport of livestock and exotic pets into India. The move is expected to have a major impact on the aviation industry and will help to strengthen India's animal welfare laws.