India’s aviation market has grown significantly, and so has the number of companies offering ground handling services to foreign and private aircraft operators. But not all handlers are equal — and with regulatory requirements as specific as India’s, appointing the wrong handler can cost you a flight.
Here are the eight questions every operator should ask before appointing a ground handling agent for India operations.
Are You Licensed Under DGCA Regulations?
Ground handling agents in India must meet DGCA requirements under the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 9, Air Transport, Series E. Ask for their DGCA approval letter and check that it covers the airport(s) you’re operating to.
Some companies offer “coordination” services that fall short of a full licensed ground handler — which means they cannot interface directly with Customs, BCAS, and Immigration on your behalf. This creates gaps in the chain.
Do You Hold a BCAS Security Programme?
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) requires all ground handling entities to hold an approved Security Programme. Without it, the handler’s staff cannot access the airside ramp. Ask specifically for confirmation that their ramp staff hold valid BCAS passes at your operating airport(s).
How Do You Handle Landing Permits?
This is where experience is immediately visible. A competent handler can tell you instantly what the current DGCA processing timeline is, what documents they need from you, and whether your specific aircraft category (foreign non-scheduled, air ambulance, state aircraft) requires any additional permissions.
Aileron Air’s Landing and Overflight Permit service handles this for operators across every Indian airport — and for foreign airspace transit permits for flights routing through the subcontinent.
What Are Your Coverage Hours?
Aviation operates around the clock. Flights arrive at 3 AM. Technical issues happen on Sundays. Your handler must be reachable and responsive 24/7/365. Ask directly: who do I call at 2 AM if there’s a problem, and will that person have authority to act?
Aileron Air’s operations centre is staffed around the clock specifically because this is non-negotiable.
Can You Handle VIP and Diplomatic Movements?
Standard ground handling for commercial aircraft does not prepare a handler for the protocols involved in VIP, diplomatic, or head-of-state movements. Ask whether they have experience with:
- Fast-track immigration coordination with the Bureau of Immigration
- Protocol liaison with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- Security coordination with SPG (Special Protection Group) or diplomatic security details
- Airside vehicle positioning and private escort
Aileron Air has a dedicated VIP and Charter Flight Supervision division with specific experience handling presidential, ministerial, and high-net-worth private aviation movements.
What Is Your Network Coverage Across India?
Many operators fly to multiple Indian cities on a single trip — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa. Your handler should have established arrangements at all major Indian airports, not just the gateway city.
Ask for their coverage map and whether they have physical presence or sub-agent arrangements at your complete routing.
How Do You Handle AOG Situations?
An Aircraft on Ground (AOG) event at an unfamiliar airport requires immediate, coordinated action — finding an approved MRO, importing a spare part through customs quickly, arranging crew hotel, managing the next departure slot. Ask what your handler’s AOG procedure is and whether they have MRO relationships at each airport they cover.
See also: AOG Support in India: What to Do When Your Aircraft Goes Technical and Aileron Air’s Emergency and Disruption Management service.
What Are Your Rates and How Are They Structured?
Ground handling charges in India include a combination of airport-specific fees, handler service fees, and disbursements (fuel, permits, customs fees). Ask for a detailed breakdown rather than a single lump-sum quote, so you understand exactly what is included and what might be additional.
Aileron Air provides clear, itemised trip budgets for all engagements — no hidden disbursement surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a foreign-based trip support company for my India operations?
A: You can, but they must have a local partner in India with actual DGCA and BCAS approval. A trip support company based in Europe or the US cannot physically provide ramp services in India without an Indian licensed handler. Ensure that whoever you appoint is the entity actually holding the Indian regulatory approvals.
Q: Are there blacklisted or derecognised handling agents in India?
A: DGCA does publish actions against non-compliant operators. Independently verify that any handler you appoint is in good standing with DGCA by requesting their current approval document and checking the DGCA website (dgca.gov.in).
Aileron Air ticks all eight boxes. Contact us to appoint us as your India ground handling partner and receive a service overview and rate card within 24 hours.
