Key Takeaways
• DGCA mandates closed aircraft window shades during takeoff and landing at defense airports starting May 20, 2025.
• Rule applies to dual-use airports near India’s western border including Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, and Amritsar.
• Non-compliance may lead to legal penalties; photography and videography at these airports are also banned.
India’s DGCA Orders Aircraft Window Shades Closed at Defense Airports: What Travelers Need to Know
On May 20, 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India introduced a new security rule that affects anyone flying in and out of certain airports across the country. The DGCA now requires all airlines—whether commercial, charter, or private—to keep aircraft window shades closed during takeoff and landing at defense airports. This directive is especially important for airports near India’s western border, where security concerns have recently increased. Here’s a detailed look at what this means for travelers, why the rule was introduced, and how it fits into India’s broader security strategy.
What Is the New DGCA Rule?
The DGCA, India’s top civil aviation authority, has ordered that all window shades on aircraft must remain closed during critical phases of flight at defense airports. This means:
- During takeoff: Window shades must be closed from the moment the plane starts to move until it climbs above 10,000 feet.
- During landing: Shades must be closed from when the plane descends below 10,000 feet until it reaches the parking bay after landing.
The only exception is for emergency exit rows. Here, window shades can stay open because visibility is important for safety in case of an emergency.
Cabin crew are responsible for making sure passengers follow this rule. Airlines must also inform travelers about the requirement through announcements and safety briefings before takeoff and landing.
Which Airports Are Affected?
This rule applies mainly to dual-use airports—those that serve both civilian and military flights. The DGCA has focused on airports close to India’s western border, a region that has seen increased security activity in recent months. Some of the key airports where this rule is now in effect include:
- Srinagar
- Jammu
- Leh
- Amritsar
- Chandigarh
- Gwalior
- Hindon
- Jaisalmer
- Bhuj
These airports are considered strategically important because they are close to sensitive defense installations. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the DGCA’s move is part of a larger effort to protect these areas from potential security threats.
Why Did the DGCA Introduce This Rule?
The new window shade policy comes after a series of security incidents that raised concerns about the safety of defense airports. In April 2025, a terror attack in Pahalgam led to a major military response called Operation Sindoor. As a result, 32 airports across northern, central, and western India were temporarily closed. These events highlighted the need for stronger security measures at airports that share space with military operations.
The DGCA explained that the rule is designed to:
- Prevent accidental exposure of sensitive military areas: With modern smartphones, passengers can easily take high-quality photos or videos from their seats. Closed window shades reduce the risk of someone unintentionally capturing images of defense facilities.
- Limit visual access to defense zones: By keeping shades closed during takeoff and landing, the DGCA aims to stop people from seeing or recording sensitive areas on the ground.
- Enhance overall operational safety: The rule is part of a broader set of security protocols meant to protect both passengers and national interests.
The DGCA stated that the directive is intended to “enhance operational safety and prevent unintentional sharing of security-related information by the general public or crew.”
How Will This Affect Passengers?
If you’re flying through one of the affected airports, you’ll notice a few changes:
- Announcements: Airlines will remind you to keep your window shade closed during takeoff and landing.
- Cabin crew checks: Flight attendants will walk through the cabin to make sure everyone has complied.
- No exceptions (except emergency exits): Only passengers seated in emergency exit rows can keep their window shades open, and only for safety reasons.
It’s important to follow these instructions. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also helps protect sensitive areas and supports national security efforts.
Example Scenario
Imagine you’re flying from Delhi to Leh. As your plane prepares to land at Leh Airport—a defense airport near the border—the crew will ask everyone to close their window shades once the aircraft descends below 10,000 feet. You might be curious about the view, but you’ll need to keep your shade down until the plane is parked at the gate. If you’re seated in an emergency exit row, your shade can stay open, but only so the crew can see outside in case of an emergency.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
The DGCA has made it clear that failure to follow the window shade rule can lead to legal consequences. This is not just a suggestion—it’s a mandatory security measure. Airlines are required to report any non-compliance, and passengers who refuse to cooperate could face penalties under Indian aviation law.
Other Security Measures at Defense Airports
The window shade rule is just one part of a larger security plan. The DGCA and Indian defense authorities have also put in place:
- A complete ban on photography and videography: Passengers are not allowed to take photos or videos near or above defense airports. This includes using smartphones, cameras, or any recording devices.
- Strict monitoring of passenger behavior: Security staff and airline crew are trained to watch for any suspicious activity, especially near sensitive areas.
- Legal action for violations: Anyone caught breaking these rules can be prosecuted under Indian law.
These steps reflect the seriousness with which the Indian government treats the security of its defense infrastructure, especially in regions close to international borders.
Why Are Defense Airports So Sensitive?
Defense airports play a dual role. They handle regular commercial flights but also serve as bases for military aircraft and operations. Many of these airports are located near India’s borders with neighboring countries, making them critical for national defense.
Sensitive military equipment, aircraft, and personnel are often visible from the air or from airport terminals. In the past, there have been concerns that photos or videos taken by passengers could end up online, potentially revealing details about military deployments or infrastructure. By keeping window shades closed, authorities hope to reduce the risk of sensitive information being leaked, even unintentionally.
How Does This Affect Airlines and Crew?
Airlines operating at defense airports must update their standard operating procedures to include the new DGCA directive. This means:
- Training cabin crew: Flight attendants need to be trained on the new rule and how to enforce it politely but firmly.
- Updating safety briefings: Airlines must add information about the window shade rule to their pre-flight and in-flight announcements.
- Reporting non-compliance: If a passenger refuses to follow instructions, the crew must report the incident to authorities.
For airlines, this adds another layer of responsibility, but it’s seen as a necessary step to support national security.
How Does This Fit Into India’s Broader Security Strategy?
The window shade directive is part of a comprehensive approach to aviation security. In recent years, India has faced several security challenges, especially in regions close to its western border. The government has responded by:
- Increasing security checks at airports
- Deploying more security personnel at sensitive locations
- Implementing stricter rules for passengers and airlines
The temporary closure of 32 airports during Operation Sindoor showed how quickly authorities can act when there’s a threat. Now that flights have resumed, the DGCA wants to make sure that security remains tight, even as normal operations continue.
What Should Travelers Do?
If you’re planning to fly through any of the affected airports, here are some practical steps you can take:
- Listen to announcements: Pay attention to crew instructions about window shades and other security measures.
- Follow the rules: Keep your window shade closed during takeoff and landing, unless you’re in an emergency exit row.
- Don’t take photos or videos: Remember that photography and videography are banned near defense airports.
- Cooperate with crew: If you have questions or concerns, ask the cabin crew—they’re there to help.
By following these guidelines, you’ll help keep yourself and others safe, and you’ll support efforts to protect India’s national security.
How Does This Compare to Other Countries?
Many countries have strict rules about photography and observation near military installations. For example, in the United States 🇺🇸, it’s illegal to take photos of certain military bases, and passengers are often reminded not to record sensitive areas. India’s new window shade rule is similar in spirit, but it goes a step further by requiring physical barriers (closed shades) to prevent even accidental viewing.
Official Resources and Further Reading
For more information about the DGCA and its regulations, you can visit the official DGCA website. This site provides up-to-date details on aviation rules, security directives, and passenger rights in India.
If you’re interested in how these rules fit into the broader context of immigration and travel, VisaVerge.com reports that such measures are becoming more common worldwide as governments seek to balance open travel with the need for security.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Travelers
The DGCA’s new rule on aircraft window shades at defense airports is a direct response to recent security incidents and ongoing concerns about the safety of sensitive military areas. By requiring shades to be closed during takeoff and landing, the DGCA aims to protect critical defense infrastructure from unwanted observation or recording.
Travelers should:
- Expect to keep window shades closed at certain airports
- Follow all crew instructions
- Avoid taking photos or videos near defense airports
- Understand that these rules are in place for everyone’s safety
As India continues to strengthen its aviation security, cooperation from passengers, airlines, and airport staff will be essential. By staying informed and following the rules, travelers can help ensure safe and secure journeys for all.
References:
1. DGCA India, Security Directive, May 2025
2. VisaVerge.com, “India DGCA Orders Aircraft Window Shades Closed at Defense Airports,” 2025
3. DGCA Official Website
Word count: 1,520
Learn Today
DGCA → India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, responsible for regulating civil aviation safety and security.
Defense Airports → Airports serving both civilian and military flights, often near sensitive military zones.
Window Shades → Window covers on aircraft required to be closed during critical flight phases at defense airports.
Operation Sindoor → Military response to a terror attack near Pahalgam, leading to temporary airport closures.
Dual-use Airports → Airports accommodating both government military operations and commercial air traffic.
This Article in a Nutshell
India’s DGCA requires aircraft window shades closed at defense airports during takeoff and landing. This new security rule protects sensitive military sites from accidental observation, affecting passengers flying from key airports near the western border. Compliance is mandatory, with crews enforcing the rule to enhance national security at high-risk locations.
— By VisaVerge.com
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