The new rules come after a recent aircraft accident involving a chartered Learjet 45 in Baramati, which raised serious concerns about flight safety and decision-making under pressure.

In its latest circular on the carriage of central and state dignitaries, the DGCA has stressed that pilots must be allowed to take decisions based only on safety and technical judgment. It has clearly stated that flight crew should not face any "undue pressure" to operate flights.

The regulator has also banned direct last-minute instructions from VVIPs or their staff to pilots. Any changes to flight plans must now go through the airline or operator's management, rather than being communicated directly to the cockpit.

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As part of the new measures, a mandatory passenger briefing will be introduced for VVIPs. Before departure, pilots will provide a standard pamphlet explaining that flight operations can be affected by factors such as weather, visibility, and night conditions. The document will also clearly state that decisions related to continuing, diverting, or cancelling a flight rest solely with the crew and must be respected.

To improve safety, the DGCA has made it compulsory to use twin-engine aircraft for VVIP travel, along with at least two pilots on board. Twin-engine aircraft are considered safer as they can continue flying even if one engine fails.

The aircraft must also be capable of operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), which allow pilots to fly safely even in poor visibility using advanced navigation systems. In addition, a working weather radar system will now be mandatory to help detect storms and turbulence.

The DGCA has also tightened checks on aircraft readiness. All planes must be thoroughly inspected and certified before such flights. Any technical issues identified must be fixed before take-off. Fuel quality must be checked during refuelling, and aircraft must carry enough fuel to handle unexpected situations such as diversions.

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The new rules also focus on ground-level preparedness. Helipads and airstrips must be inspected at least 24 hours before the flight. For remote or less-equipped airfields, operators must obtain approval from local authorities.

State and local administrations will also be responsible for ensuring the availability of essential services such as security, firefighting, and rescue operations before granting permission for landing. Additionally, all baggage must be screened before being loaded onto the aircraft.

Overall, the DGCA's new guidelines aim to strengthen safety standards for VVIP flights and ensure that operational decisions remain firmly in the hands of trained aviation professionals.