On November 10, 2025, the Ministry of Civil Aviation released the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025. These regulations update the system for reporting and investigating aviation events in India, bringing national procedures in line with ICAO Annex 13 and improving oversight of aviation safety.
Applicability of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025
These Rules are applicable to:
- All aircraft operating within India
- All aircraft registered in India, indeed, when flying abroad
- Indians travelling anywhere in the world
- Foreign aircraft passing through Indian airspace
- Unmanned aircraft systems
Purpose of Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025
These Rules aim on learning from incidents rather than assigning fault. The objective is to understand what went wrong so that accidents can be avoided. The Rules, 2025, promote openness and cooperation to align India’s safety systems with global norms.
Key Features of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025
- Intimate Within 24 Hours of Accident
Pilots, remote pilots, aircraft operators, or owners must report any accident or serious incident to the AAIB and DGCA within 24 hours. Reports must include essential details such as aircraft information, the nature of the circumstance, injuries (if any), and where the event took place. -
Clear Jurisdiction
- The AAIB handles major accidents and serious incidents, generally involving larger aircraft or those with turbojet engines.
- The DGCA investigates less serious incidents.
- The government may order a formal investigation when the situation is especially significant or sensitive.
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Authority of the Investigator-in-Charge
The lead investigator has full responsibility for collecting and protecting evidence — this includes flight reporters, cockpit audio, wreckage, and ATC communication records. -
Participation by Other Countries
Countries connected to the aircraft’s manufacture, design, registration, or operation may nominate accredited representatives to be part of the investigation, in keeping with ICAO Annex 13 conditions. -
No-Blame Approach
These Rules support a safety-concentrated approach. examinations aren’t meant to assign liability but to encourage honest reporting and cooperation. -
National Accident Database
A central database will collect information on circumstances, helping authorities identify trends and take preventative action across the aeronautics sector.
Way Forward
The Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, show a significant step toward strengthening India’s aeronautics safety framework. Going forward, the effectiveness of the Rules, 2025, will depend on the following:
- Clear legal boundaries regarding jurisdiction and evidence use
- Investments in real-time reporting and compliance technology
- Training for operational and legal teams on investigation procedures
- Strong policy safeguards to protect confidentiality in domestic and international cooperation.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The content of this article is not intended to create and receipt of it does not constitute any relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.
