In a major step toward modernizing air travel in India, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced a rule change that could soon allow in-flight Wi-Fi on domestic flights, a feature long-awaited by travelers. With this announcement, Indian airlines such as Air India, Indigo, and SpiceJet may soon follow in the footsteps of Vistara, which currently offers Wi-Fi on select international routes.
The rule change was formalized in an e-Gazette published on October 28amending the Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules of 2018. Under the revised sub-rule (2) of rule 9the DoT has clarified that internet services via Wi-Fi will be allowed on aircraft as soon as electronic devices are cleared for use on board. This represents a shift from the previous requirement, which mandated a minimum altitude of 3,000 meters before enabling connectivity.
The DoT’s statement on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) read, “The Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules have been amended to make internet connectivity available on flights via Wi-Fi.”
Previously, the 3,000-meter altitude requirement was a hurdle for domestic carriers looking to provide Wi-Fi access to passengers. The restriction was intended to avoid interference with ground-based mobile and broadband networksyet it discouraged airlines from adopting in-flight connectivity. By removing this constraint, the new amendment paves the way for seamless connectivity in Indian skies, promising a more modern, connected travel experience for millions of passengers.
Currently, Vistara is the only Indian airline offering Wi-Fi on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A321neo aircraft, but only for international flights. Vistara provides 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi on select routes, with additional time available for a fee. This limited yet valuable service has given travelers a taste of what’s possible, and the updated rules suggest that more airlines will soon be able to introduce similar connectivity options across domestic routes.
For the Indian air traveler, in-flight Wi-Fi will mark a new era of connectivity, especially for business travelers and digital nomads who rely on continuous access to the internet. Being able to work, connect, and stay updated while airborne transforms flights into productive hours instead of disconnected downtime. This step could also bring Indian aviation in line with global standardswhere in-flight connectivity is increasingly common and often expected.
As Indian airlines prepare to integrate Wi-Fi into their fleets, passengers can look forward to a more connected journey in the near future. While further technical adjustments and infrastructure support may be required, the regulatory foundation has been laid. With India’s massive domestic aviation market, this move could be transformative, ensuring that air travel in India keeps pace with global advancements in passenger amenities.
This long-awaited shift toward in-flight Wi-Fi marks an exciting chapter in India’s aviation sector, one that promises to enhance convenience and productivity for millions of passengers traveling within Indian airspace.
