New Delhi, Dec. 23 -- As the page turned from 2024 to 2025, the mood in Indian aviation was buoyant. The year had recorded the best-ever traffic in the domestic market, and the Kumbh Mela, a once-in-a-lifetime event, was on the horizon. Airlines were already adding flights to Prayagraj, and the January to March quarter was a magic one, setting the tone for the months ahead. The way things started shaping up since then made this year a year to forget for Indian aviation than anything else. The Indian government passed the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 in 2025. This is aimed at ensuring better protection to lessors in line with the Cape Town Convention and helping the airlines at the same time.

The year started on a spiritual note with ...