DGCA Eases Rules At IAF Airports; Window Shade Rule Dropped, Photography Ban Continues

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has now announced through an advisory that the requirement to lower window shades during aircraft operations at Indian Air Force Joint User Airports (JUAs) has been withdrawn. However, the ban on aerial and ground photography will remain in place. Read on to know more.

DGCA Withdraws Mandatory Window Shade Rule At JUAs

2/2. However, after receipt of revised instructions, lowering of window shades is no longer required, while the prohibition on aerial/ground photography remains in effect for all operations at IAF JUAs.

— DGCA (@DGCAIndia) July 19, 2025

The DGCA has now issued an all-new advisory. The authorities have withdrawn the mandate requiring window shades to be lowered during operations at Indian Air Force Joint User Airports. However, the ban on aerial and ground photography will continue to apply as before. DGCA also confirmed this update through their official X account with a post that read, “Lowering of window shades is no longer required, while the prohibition on aerial/ground photography remains in effect for all operations at IAF JUAs.”

As per a report by India TV, DGCA had earlier issued a directive requiring all commercial airlines to ensure window shades remained shut during take-off and landing. Authorities issued the directive in May and made it mandatory at defence airfields, especially those located near India’s western border. Authorities had also directed airlines to inform passengers about the strict ban on photography and videography at military bases during transit.

Also Read: Navi Mumbai International Airport Likely To Open On This Date; Final DGCA Approvals Pending

Directive First Introduced In May Amid Border Tensions With Pakistan

As per a report by India TV, the authorities introduced the directive in May as a precautionary measure following hostilities with Pakistan. The rule remained in effect until aircraft crossed an altitude of 10,000 feet after take-off. It came back into effect once the plane descended  before landing. However, the rule did not apply to emergency exit rows, where keeping window shades open was necessary for passenger safety.

The rule mainly applied to joint-use airports that catered to both commercial and military flights. It aimed to prevent civilians from unintentionally capturing sensitive military infrastructure, activities, or establishments during civilian flight operations. DGCA issued the latest advisory on July 19. 

Also Read: DGCA Flags Crew Safety Violations, Air India Suspends Head Of Rostering Amid Crackdown

Cover Image Courtesy: Freepik/ rawpixel.com and Pexels/ Humphrey Muleba (Representative Image)