The Complete Checklist for Planning a Business Aviation Trip to New Delhi, India (VIDP Airport / DEL Airport)

While a smooth arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport may look effortless from the outside, every successful operation into India depends on careful planning long before the aircraft enters Indian airspace.

From landing permits and airport slots to crew documentation, customs coordination, fueling, passenger handling, and ground support, business aviation operations in Delhi require close attention to timelines and operational requirements.

We help operators, flight departments, crews, and charter teams coordinate these details before arrival so the aircraft, passengers, and crew can move through New Delhi (VIDP Airport) as efficiently as possible.

If you are planning a business aviation trip to India, this is the checklist we always recommend reviewing before departure.

1. India Landing Permit Requirements for Business Aviation Flights

The first and most important step in any Indian operation is India landing permit because every other operational requirement depends on it.

Flights arriving from non-PRC countries require a minimum lead time of 3 working days for landing permit approval, while flights arriving from PRC-designated countries, including China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria, and North Korea, require 7 working days.

We recommend initiating permit coordination immediately after trip confirmation to ensure the rest of the operation can move forward smoothly and without unnecessary pressure closer to departure.

2. PPR and Airport Slot Requirements at VIDP Airport

VIDP airport requires both PPR approval and airport slots for business aviation operations. These requests are generally submitted 3-4 days before the flight operation and are usually approved by the airport operator 1-2 days before arrival.

Although this process may appear straightforward, timing becomes extremely important when operating in a busy international airport. This is why slot coordination should never be treated as a last-minute task. We work closely with airport authorities and ground handling teams to ensure approvals are monitored carefully, and operational timelines remain synchronized throughout the trip planning process.

3. CIQ and International Entry Requirements at Delhi Airport

Delhi’s VIDP airport is a fully international airport with complete CIQ facilities available for international business aviation operations. While this simplifies arrival procedures operationally, crews and operators should still ensure all customs, immigration, and quarantine documentation is completed correctly before departure.

4. Crew Visa Requirements for General Aviation Crew in India

Crew arriving in India must carry a valid Business Visa issued by the Indian Embassy/Consulate. The crew may also apply for an E-Business Visa available online. Here’s the link to apply for the E-business Visa online: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

5. Pax Visa Requirements for General Aviation Passengers in India

Passengers entering India must carry a valid visa issued by the Indian Embassy or Consulate, or the crew can apply for an E-Business Visa available online. Here’s the link to apply for the E-business Visa online: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

6. Catering Services at VIDP Airport

VIDP airport has airport catering services available for business aviation operations. Special meal requests, dietary requirements, crew catering, and passenger preferences should all be communicated clearly during pre-arrival coordination to ensure smooth service delivery.

7. Aviation Fuel Availability at VIDP Airport

Jet A1 fuel is available at VIDP airport.

Even with fuel availability confirmed, operators should still coordinate uplift requirements ahead of arrival to avoid delays during turnarounds or departure preparation. As part of our operational coordination, we assist crews with fuel planning and ground arrangements so aircraft servicing remains efficient after landing.

8. GAT (General Aviation Terminal) at VIDP Airport

VIDP has dedicated General Aviation Terminal facilities with FBO support available for business aviation operators. For operators unfamiliar with Delhi operations, experienced FBO coordination can significantly simplify airport handling procedures, crew logistics, passenger movement, and operational communication with local authorities.

9. Tow Bar Requirements for Aircraft Operating into India

India requires aircraft to carry a complete tow bar assembly onboard, including both the tow head and tow bar. Although tow bars may be available locally at major airports, compatibility with specific aircraft types should always be confirmed before the flight operation begins.

Tow bar mismatches may seem minor during planning stages, but operationally, they can create significant delays after arrival, especially during aircraft repositioning or parking coordination. This is one of those technical details that should always be verified before departure rather than addressed after landing.

10. Mandatory E-Arrival Card Requirement for India

India now requires all international travellers entering the country to complete a mandatory digital e-Arrival Card before arrival. The form can be submitted up to 72 hours before arrival via the official link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/

For international business aviation operations, we recommend completing this process before departure rather than relying on in-flight internet connectivity during the journey.

11. Crew Baggage Declaration Requirements in India

All crew members entering India are required to complete a Customs Crew Baggage Declaration (CBD) at the first port of entry using the Athithi 2.0 application. All declarations must be completed before clearing customs.

Use the link for your reference: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.org.customnew

12. Satellite Phone Restrictions in India

Satellite phones are prohibited in India. Kindly ensure that no passenger or crew member attempts to enter India carrying a satellite phone without the necessary approvals from the concerned authorities.

13. E-Cigarettes Restrictions in India

E-Cigarettes are prohibited in India. Kindly ensure that no passenger or crew member attempts to enter India carrying e-cigarettes.

14. Recommended Hotels Near Delhi Airport for Business Aviation Crew

Delhi offers several convenient hotel options near the airport for business aviation crew stays, including the JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity, Hyatt Andaz Delhi, Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, and Roseate House New Delhi.

Hotel coordination should ideally be completed during trip planning to ensure crew rest schedules, transport logistics, and operational timelines remain properly aligned throughout the stay.

Plan a Business Aviation Trip to New Delhi, India with Us

The most successful business aviation trips are usually the ones that feel effortless after landing because every operational detail has already been coordinated in advance. That is exactly the kind of operational support and trip coordination we provide.

If you need assistance planning your business aviation trip to India, we offer single-point coordination for ground handling, landing permits, airport slots, fuel planning, and operational support to help ensure a seamless experience from arrival through departure.

Kindly contact us at ops@fbooperators.com to make your next trip to India a seamless and memorable experience.