Two of the most commonly confused documents in international private aviation are the landing permit and the overflight permit. In India, both are issued by the DGCA and both are mandatory for foreign-registered aircraft — but they cover completely different activities. Getting this wrong can ground your aircraft before it takes off.
The Core Difference in One Line
A landing permit authorises your aircraft to land at an Indian airport. An overflight permit authorises your aircraft to transit Indian airspace without landing.
Landing Permit: When You Need It
You need a landing permit whenever a foreign-registered civil aircraft plans to land at any aerodrome in India. This includes:
- Direct international arrivals
- Technical stops (fuel only, no passengers disembarking)
- Positioning flights (empty legs that land in India)
- Return segments of international charters
The permit is specific to: the aircraft registration, the destination airport in India, the purpose of the flight, and the dates of operation.
Full application guide: How to Get a Landing Permit in India for Private Jets
Service: Aileron Air Landing and Overflight Permits
Overflight Permit: When You Need It
You need an overflight permit whenever a foreign-registered civil aircraft transits Indian airspace without landing. This applies to:
- Cross-continental routings that pass over India (e.g., Dubai to Bangkok via the Indian subcontinent)
- Ferry flights routing over India
- Medical evacuation flights transiting Indian FIR
The permit covers: the aircraft, the FIR(s) transited, the routing, and the dates.
Full application guide: Overflight Permit India: Step-by-Step Guide
When You Need Both
On multi-sector trips, you may need both types simultaneously. Common scenarios:
| Scenario | Permits Needed |
|---|---|
| Direct international arrival, return via different FIR | Landing permit + overflight permit |
| Landing in Delhi, departing to Singapore over Chennai FIR | Landing permit (landing) + overflight permit (transit) |
| Technical stop in Mumbai, continuing to Bangkok | Landing permit (Mumbai) + overflight permit (Chennai FIR for the continuation) |
| Transit over India without landing at any point | Overflight permit only |
| Landing only, returning the same way | Landing permit only |
Processing Timelines Compared
| Permit Type | Standard Timeline | Emergency/Medical |
|---|---|---|
| Landing Permit | 5-7 working days | 24-48 hours |
| Overflight Permit | 3-5 working days | 12-24 hours |
Fees
Neither permit type carries a direct DGCA government fee. Your handling agent charges a coordination fee for the application service. Aileron Air provides transparent, itemised pricing for both permit types as part of a complete trip budget.
Key Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for the wrong type. An overflight permit does not grant landing rights. If you apply for an overflight permit and then decide to land, you will be in violation.
Ignoring routing changes. If your flight plan changes after permit issuance — different routing, different FIR transit — the permit must be amended. Contact your handling agent as soon as a routing change is confirmed.
Assuming the permit covers all Indian airports. A landing permit is issued for a specific destination airport. Landing at a different airport than specified is not covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m flying from London to Singapore over India but not landing. Which permit do I need?
A: An overflight permit only, as your aircraft will transit Indian FIR airspace (likely Mumbai FIR and/or Chennai FIR) without landing.
Q: My flight plan shows a fuel stop in Mumbai on the way to Bangkok. What permits do I need?
A: A landing permit for the Mumbai stop, and an overflight permit for the transit of Chennai FIR from Mumbai to Bangkok.
Q: Can Aileron Air handle both permits for the same trip?
A: Yes. Aileron Air routinely manages both landing and overflight permits simultaneously for multi-sector trips to and through India. Submit your complete routing and we issue the complete permit package.
Never guess which permit you need — let Aileron Air review your routing and issue the correct permits every time. Contact us.
