The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved an amended permit for Air India, enabling expanded operations for passenger, cargo, and charter flights between India and the United States.
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States has granted Air India an amended foreign air carrier permit, allowing the airline to enhance its operations with passenger, cargo, and charter flights between India and the United States.
Officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation indicated that the agency had previously invited interested parties to submit objections within a 21-day period if they opposed the proposed decision. No objections were received during this timeframe.
The order stated, “No objections were received within the time period provided.”
Consequently, the Department finalized its earlier findings and awarded Air India the amended permit, which comes with specific operating conditions.
This permit enables Air India to conduct scheduled international transportation of passengers, cargo, and mail that involves the United States. It includes flights originating from points behind India, traveling through India and intermediate points, to destinations in the U.S. and beyond.
Additionally, the authorization allows for scheduled cargo transportation between the United States and other international destinations.
The permit also covers charter flights carrying passengers, cargo, and mail between India and the United States. Charter operations to third countries from the U.S. are permitted if they are part of a continuous operation linked to India.
Effective March 2, 2026, the amended permit will come into force following the presidential review period, which concluded without any disapproval.
Air India is required to comply with U.S. aviation regulations and security requirements, including those enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration.
Moreover, the airline must maintain valid authorization from the Government of India for the services it operates and adhere to international aviation safety standards. Previous filings reveal that Air India applied for the amended permit and exemption authority in October 2025.
The Department noted that the application aimed to incorporate operational rights that Air India already held under the U.S.-India air transport agreement.
Officials concluded that Air India had demonstrated its financial and operational qualifications to perform the proposed services, determining that granting the authority aligns with the public interest, according to IANS.