October 7th, 2025

International Private Charter from India | Permits, Taxes & Rules

Before flying off to Paris or the Maldives or any other exciting international destinations on a private jet, you must know the permits, fees and rules.

From landing approvals to cross-border tax rules, these can make your international private charters from India smooth, stress-free & straightforward.

The Permit Maze: Your Gateway to International Skies

These permits are the “visas” for your aircraft. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issues permits after a careful examination. These are the main steps that you should follow:

Air Operator Certificate (AOC)

To start with, obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC). It is a process that requires months and involves safety audits, operational checks and regulatory compliance, in other words, a doctorate course in aviation safety.

International Route Permits

With your AOC in hand, every international flight needs a specific route permit. The Ministry of Civil Aviation must clear your operations, and there are diplomatic clearances to be obtained before flights to specific destinations. The processing typically requires 3-7 days, but complex routes might require more. Imagine that it is a road trip, and each state border will have to be stamped.

Landing & Overflight Permits

Next, you’ll need landing permits from your destination country (2–7 days) and overflight permits from every country you cross (1–5 days each). It’s like needing permission to drive through every state on your journey, aviation style.

Customs & Immigration Clearances‌

You’ll need to file declarations, submit passenger and crew manifests, and ensure everyone has valid passports and visas. If your paperwork is in order, these clearances are usually same-day at the airport.

Learn more about private jet price in india

The Tax Tangle: What You’ll Actually Pay

• GST: International private jet charters attract 18% Integrated GST (IGST) on the total charter value. Yes, 18%. This isn’t just on the base fare; it covers your entire charter package. For travel agents, GST applies to 10% of the basic fare, but for direct charters, it’s the full value.‌‌
• Airport Fees: The Hidden Costs. Airport charges are based on your aircraft’s Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW).
• Navigation Charges: Route Navigation Facility Charges (RNFC) are levied based on your aircraft’s weight and distance flown within Indian airspace. Think of it as a toll for using India’s sky highways.

You’ll pay:

• Landing charges (vary by airport and aircraft size)
• Parking fees (hourly, based on MTOW)
• Passenger Service Fee (PSF) per departing passenger
• User Development Fee (UDF) at select airports

All these fees attract an additional 18% GST

Compliance Rules

The aviation world doesn’t tolerate shortcuts. International private charters are subject to strict compliance.‌‌

DGCA’s Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs)‌

These rules cover everything from crew qualifications to aircraft maintenance. Pilots are required to hold appropriate type ratings of either a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). They should also have up-to-date medical certificates, undergo regular training and follow flight duty time restrictions.

Aircraft Certification Standards‌

Your aircraft must be certified by the DGCA. Also, you can ensure international safety standards by having routine upkeep, careful documentation and periodic audits.

Your Step-by-Step Action Plan

Here’s your practical roadmap:

• Secure Your AOC(if operating commercially): Start early; this takes months.
• File Flight Plans: Submit detailed route info to DGCA.
• Apply for Route Permits: Allow 3-7 days for processing.
• Obtain Landing Permits: Contact destination country authorities.
• Secure Overflight Clearances: Apply to the en-route countries.
• Prepare Documentation: Get ready with customs forms, passenger manifests & crew licenses.
• Complete Pre-Flight Inspections: Ensure safety, always.

Industry Insights: What Smart Travellers Know?

The Indian private jet market is evolving fast. The market for private jets in India is developing at a high rate. The top operators, including Club One Air, provide the standard charters and specialised missions. Most of them also offer high-end air ambulance services that are ready to handle medical emergencies.

Owners of aircraft can trust in professional aircraft management services that are responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance, aircraft maintenance and also maximising the revenue of the aircraft by booking charters. It’s like having a dedicated team manage your flying investment.

Pro Tip: Dubai, Singapore, London and most cities in Europe are popular international destinations for India. The primary departure hubs are Mumbai and Delhi, which have their own specific, private terminals.

The Bottom Line

The decision to hire an international business jet charter in India means more than just having plenty of money; it entails a clear understanding of the regulatory requirements, proper planning of taxes and all other costs, and the need to comply with the safety standards.

Though the permitting process may seem daunting, charter operators who have been in operation relieve most of the burden. They are your travel advisors in the bureaucratic jungle and will give you a seamless luxury travel experience as you travel on land and in the air.

Start by consulting with certified aviation professionals at Club One Air who can guide you through this regulatory journey. After all, the sky isn’t just the limit, it’s your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What permits are required for an international private charter flight departing from India?

A: For a private charter flight departing India (or arriving in India), you must ensure that the operator holds a valid permit under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regime. According to India’s Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR 3-C), a “non-scheduled air transport service” (which includes charter operations) requires a ‟Non-Scheduled Operator’s Permit (NSOP)”. 

• For foreign-registered aircraft seeking to land, overfly or operate in Indian airspace, a DGCA/CCA permit is required.
• Depending on the route and country, overflight and landing permissions from other states may also be needed. 
• The operator must comply with other regulatory clearances (flight plan, air defence clearance, customs/immigration) when operating internationally. 

Q: How is tax applied on international private charter flights from India?

A: Taxation in India for aircraft charters is nuanced. Some key points:

• The charter operations are treated as “air transport service” under Indian tax law when performed by a non-scheduled operator. 
• For imported/chartered aircraft: For example, GST on import/purchase of business aircraft and their commercial charter use has specific duty/IGST regimes. 
• For premium/non-economy aviation services, recent GST changes make private aircraft (for personal use) subject to a flat 40% GST slab. 
• While typical commercial airline tickets for international flights may be taxed at 5% (economy) or 12% (business) on the Indian leg only, charter flights may not follow the same classification.

Q:  What minimum lead-time should one allow when planning an international private charter from India?

A: Lead-time depends on the route, aircraft registration and operator type. Some guidelines:

• Industry sources suggest that for permit filings (landing, overflight), India may need a few days. 
• According to DGCA CARs for non-scheduled international flights, some tasks can be done without prior permission (for Indian operators), but you still must comply with filing requirements. 
• For intricate routes (multiple stops, overflight of “Prior Reference Countries”, diplomatic clearances), allow longer lead-time. 

Q: Can a foreign-registered private aircraft chartered from India fly internationally without Indian registration?

A: Yes, but with conditions. A foreign-registered aircraft can be chartered, but the operator must obtain the relevant permit if it enters or overflies Indian airspace. According to India’s DGCA/CCA permit guidance: “Any operator planning to fly into, out of, or over Indian airspace must obtain a DGCA/CCA permit.

Also, the aircraft must comply with bilateral/multilateral aviation treaties, and India’s “Non-Scheduled Operator” rules apply for revenue charters. 

Q: What are the major cost components of an international charter flight from India?

A: Key cost elements include:

• Base hourly rate of the aircraft (depends on size, range, operator)
• Positioning or “ferry” legs if the aircraft is not starting from the departure airport
• Landing fees, airport handling and fixed-base operator (FBO) costs at departure, destination and any stop-points
• Overflight or en-route navigation charges in various countries/airspaces. 
• Permits, customs & immigration handling fees, possible night-crew stay costs, fuel, catering, ground transport.
• Taxation, duty, GST/IGST, charter-specific surcharges.
• Aircraft idle time, delays, and alternate airport costs

Q: Are there regulatory limitations on where a private charter from India can fly (e.g., restricted countries, overflight bans)?

A: Yes, there are limitations to consider:

• Some countries impose overflight or landing restrictions, special permissions or higher surcharges for non-scheduled/charter traffic. 
• When flying from India, if the route passes through “Prior Reference Countries” (PRC: e.g., Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc.), the lead-time for permits may be longer. 
• India’s CARs specify that, for international non-scheduled flights, certain conditions must be met, including compliance with bilateral aviation treaties and procedures under Section 3-Air Transport.