Govt framing new draft civil aviation policy

To meet the challenges of burgeoning air traffic, connecting remote areas, creating aviation hubs, ensuring safety and security and liberalising bilaterals to move towards an ‘open sky’, a new draft civil aviation policy has been framed by the government.

The policy, which was drafted and approved by the erstwhile UPA-II government, has undergone a fresh review under the BJP-led regime with additional thrust being given on remote area connectivity, official sources said here.

The draft Civil Aviation Policy, on which the government would seek the views of all stakeholders, would also focus on encouraging regional airlines and suggest steps to move towards lower fares to make aviation affordable.

The draft policy is likely to come up with suggestions regarding jet fuel prices and heavy taxation on it which pose a major roadblock for airlines and consequently, development of aviation hubs in various parts of the country.