India Civil Aviation Minister Clarifies Airport Operator Airline Ownership

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol clarified in the Rajya Sabha on August 10, 2026, that there is no overarching government policy restricting major airport operators from holding equity in or operating scheduled airlines. While no general policy exists, Mohol noted that specific contractual agreements for airports developed under the Public-Private Partnership model may contain restrictions on scheduled airlines and their associates holding equity in concessionaires.

The Airports Authority of India has received a request for a waiver of these specific contractual restrictions to allow an airport operator to enter the airline business. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has not yet examined the request.

These statements follow reports that the GMR Group and Adani Group were seeking rule changes to enter the airline sector. Adani Enterprises denied these claims, stating the company is not evaluating any proposal to enter the business.