DGCA Mandates In-Flight Announcements On Satellite Phone Ban In India

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a directive on Thursday, requiring both domestic and international airlines to make in-flight announcements informing passengers that carrying satellite phones into India is strictly prohibited.

Airlines have been instructed to make these announcements on all flights landing in India.

Additionally, they must raise awareness about the restriction through their overseas commercial channels and in-flight magazines.

India enforces some of the world's strictest regulations against unapproved telecommunications, a measure driven by security concerns, including terrorist threats and geopolitical tensions.

Travellers are routinely cautioned against bringing satellite phones into the country without prior written approval from the Department of Telecommunications.

The move comes after recent incidents where foreign nationals were detained for carrying satellite phones. Last month, a U.S. citizen was held at Dehradun airport, and another was detained at Chennai airport for possessing satellite phones without proper authorization.

In a related development, the U.K. government recently updated its travel advisory for India, warning British nationals that they could face fines or arrest for carrying or operating satellite phones in the country without a valid licence.

The DGCA's latest directive aims to ensure that all passengers are well-informed about the restrictions, reducing the risk of inadvertent violations and enhancing compliance with India's telecommunications laws.