DGCA allows in-flight use of mobiles, laptops on flight mode

The aviation regulator has also laid down training guidelines for the flight crew to handle the new facility being given to the air travellers.

The new rule also directs all airlines to report to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) any suspected or confirmed PED interference or smoke or fire caused by them, the sources said.

They said the a section of the CAR relating to air safety has been amended to allow the use of PEDs in “non-transmitting mode, commonly called as Flight/Airplane Mode.” The decision was taken after a meeting on the issue last week when scheduled airlines had raised the demand to allow the use of PEDs during all phases of flight.  

The DGCA examined their demand in view of the new and regulations of the US regulator, Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which allow the use of PEDs on flight mode in all phases of a flight.

The latest DGCA move would put India on par with a handful of other countries which allow the use of mobiles while on board.

In December last year, British Airways allowed the use of cellphones on flight mode. Some other European and American carriers have also brought in similar changes.