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How private jet charter works in India

Chartering a jet or helicopter in India is simpler than most people expect, as long as you know who is allowed to fly you and what a quote should contain.

Private aviation

AIR BITOLA · 18 September 2026 · 7 min read

By AIR BITOLA

Only permitted operators can charter aircraft to you

In India, an aircraft that carries passengers for hire on demand has to be flown by a company holding a Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). An aircraft registered in the private category is meant for its owner’s own use. If someone offers you a seat on a “private” aircraft for money, ask which NSOP holder is operating the flight.

DGCA publishes the list of permit holders on its DigiGov portal. We turn that list into a searchable charter operator directory with each operator’s permit number, validity date and fleet, so you can check a name in a few seconds.

What goes into a charter quote

Charter is priced per aircraft, not per seat. The exact method varies by operator, but most quotes are built from the same parts:

  • Flying time for your legs, usually charged per hour for the aircraft type.
  • Positioning legs, when the aircraft has to fly empty to pick you up or return to base.
  • Airport charges such as landing, parking and navigation fees.
  • Crew costs, including night halts if the crew stays with you on a multi-day trip.
  • Taxes.

A trip that starts near the aircraft’s base costs less than one that needs a long positioning flight. That is why the same route can be quoted very differently by two operators.

GST on charter

The GST Council’s Circular No. 234/28/2024-GST of 11 October 2024 clarified the position for helicopters: passenger transport on a seat-share basis attracts 5% from 10 October 2024, while chartering a whole helicopter stays at 18%. Ask your operator to show the GST rate and amount on the quote, and to issue a proper tax invoice.

Before you pay

  • Get the name of the operating company and confirm its permit in the DGCA list.
  • Ask for the aircraft type and registration (it starts with VT- for Indian aircraft) and check it appears in that operator’s fleet.
  • Read what is included: positioning, airport charges, catering, ground transfers and taxes.
  • Read the cancellation terms and what happens if weather or an airport restriction stops the flight.

If you would rather not do the legwork, BookAir, our charter marketplace, collects quotes from DGCA-permitted operators for you. You can also send your trip once from our charter page.

India’s aviation law is changing. The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 replaced the Aircraft Act, 1934 from 1 January 2025, and new rules under it were still being finalised in 2026 (AFM, 2026). Until they are notified, existing rules and DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) continue to apply. Always check the current CAR on the DGCA website before you act.

Common questions

Can a privately owned aircraft be chartered in India?

Not by its owner directly. Passengers flying for hire on demand must be carried by a company holding a DGCA Non-Scheduled Operator Permit. Some owners place their aircraft with a permit holder, which then operates it commercially.

What GST applies to helicopter charter?

Under GST Council Circular 234/28/2024-GST, chartering a helicopter attracts 18% GST, while seat-share helicopter passenger transport attracts 5% from 10 October 2024.

Why do charter quotes for the same route differ so much?

Mostly because of positioning. If the aircraft is based far from your departure point, the empty flight to reach you and to return is usually added to the price.

Sources

General information, checked against the sources above on the date published. It is not legal, regulatory or medical advice. Rules change, so confirm with DGCA or the relevant authority before acting.

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