On March 7, Washington (NationPress) reported that the United States has approved an updated foreign air carrier permit for Air India. This new permit enables the airline to conduct passenger, cargo, and chartered flights between India and the US.

This week, the US Department of Transportation announced its final decision after completing its review process. There were no objections raised during the public comment period.

Officials noted that the Department had previously invited stakeholders to submit any objections within three weeks, but none were received.

The order stated, “No objections were received within the designated timeframe.”

Consequently, the Department confirmed its earlier assessments and granted Air India the updated permit with specific operational conditions.

This permit allows Air India to engage in the scheduled international transport of passengers, cargo, and mail involving the US.

The authorization encompasses flights from various locations in India, through India and other intermediate points, to destinations within the US and beyond. Additionally, the airline is permitted to operate scheduled cargo flights between the United States and various international locations.

The permit also permits charter flights for transporting passengers, cargo, and mail between India and the US. Furthermore, charter operations linking the US and third-party countries are authorized if they are part of a continuous operation associated with India.

This amended permit took effect on March 2, 2026, after the presidential review period concluded without any disapproval.

According to US law, foreign air carrier permits issued by the Department of Transportation are subject to a review by the President or an appointed official. If no objections are received within the specified timeframe, the order automatically becomes effective.

The permit mandates that Air India adhere to US aviation regulations and security standards. This includes compliance with rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration.

The airline must also hold a valid authorization from the Government of India for the services it provides and comply with international aviation safety regulations. Previous filings indicate that Air India sought the amended permit and exemption authority in October 2025.

The Department remarked that the application aimed to incorporate operational rights that the airline already possessed under the US-India air transport agreement.

Officials concluded that Air India has demonstrated its financial and operational capability to offer the proposed services, and that granting this authority aligns with the public interest.

Both the United States and India maintain a robust aviation framework that allows airlines from both nations to operate flights between their respective markets. Air travel between the two countries has been steadily increasing in recent years, fueled by strong business connections, tourism, and a significant Indian diaspora residing in the United States.