The Rajya Sabha on 5th December, 2024, passed the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, (BVV) which repeals the Aircraft Act, 1934. The bill had previously been passed by the Lok Sabha on August 9, 2024.

The BVV retains most provisions of the Aircraft Act and aims to regulate the design, manufacture, maintenance, possession, use, operation, sale, export, and import of aircraft, along with related matters.The bill guarantees that regulatory bodies like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will continue to operate under the oversight of the Central government.

The BVV introduced new offenses and penalties, including imprisonment up to 3 years or a fine of up to Rs. 1 crore for violating regulations regarding carriage of specified items in aircraft, flying dangerously, or failing to comply with authorities like the DGCA and BCAS.

Additionally, the BVV establishes a second appeal system. Under the Aircraft Act, the Central Government could appoint an officer to adjudicate penalties, whose decision could be appealed to an Appellate Officer. The BVV now allows appeals from the Appellate Officer's decision to a Second Appellate Officer, who holds a higher rank.

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024