Aviation ministry pushes to scrap 5/20 rule

NEW DELHI: UPA II's last days in office may prove to be the most controversial ones for the aviation ministry.

After grant of additional flying rights to Dubai on Wednesday, the aviation ministry is now going full steam ahead with its plan to scrap the rule that an Indian carrier must be five years old and have a fleet of at least 20 planes to fly abroad. It has prepared the Cabinet Note for what is popularly known as the 5/20 rule and is pushing for it to be taken up in next week's Cabinet meeting - that may be the last such meet of UPA II before poll dates are announced and the code of conduct kicks in.

"The note has been sent for putting up before the Cabinet. The earlier 5/20 decision was taken by the Cabinet and can be overturned by the Cabinet only," said a source. Under the proposed new rule, an Indian carrier - including a startup - would only require the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) nod to fly abroad.