Govt to do away with 5/20 aviation rule that restricts airlines to fly abroad

Government is likely to do away with the 5/20 aviation rule that restricts airlines to fly abroad before it has flown domestic flight paths for five years and has a fleet of 20 aircraft, an ET report has said.

Official known to the matter, has said that scrapping of 5/20 rule is final, however, some consultation is still needed. 

As per these norms, an air carrier cannot fly oversees until it fetches domestic service for five year, and must own more than 20 aircraft. 

The scrapping of norms was strongly opposed by leading airlines body Federation of Indian airlines that comprises IndiGo, Jet Airways, SpiceJet and GoAir, by saying that such a move would vitiate the existing level-playing field and only favour new entrants.

On the other hand, Vistara and AirAsia, the new players in the aviation sector, has asked for abolishing of these norms.  

The air carrier owners hold a meeting with Narendra Modi to discuss this civil aviation policy in August this year. During the meeting, that was also attended by top officials from aviation ministry, Modi presented willingness of scrapping the 5/20 rule, under the condition that if it is hindering the progress of aviation sector.