New flight rules in 2025: Here are all new changes air travellers must know

As curtains fall over 2024, positive statistics with regard to air travel in India have led to anticipation regarding good business in 2025 as well. As per industry reports, over 22 crore people from the country traveled via air this year with a surge being witnessed in both domestic and international travel.

Keeping in mind the growing airport infrastructure and travel culture in the country, the government has already implemented a few changes to enhance and streamline flight transport in India, which would impact all fresh travel plans in 2025.

A major change that is immediately in effect with the upcoming new year is implemented by The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is the ‘One Cabin Bag’ rule.

One Cabin Bag Rule:

Passengers will now be permitted to carry only one piece of hand baggage or cabin bag on both domestic and international flights. The move is aimed to improve security and manage the increasing number of passengers at airports.

Updated Baggage Policies:

Economy and premium economy classes passengers can carry a handbag weighing up to 7 kg whereas those opting for business class have a hand baggage weight limit of 10 kg.

Meanwhile, the dimensions of the handbags must not exceed 55 cm in height, 40 cm in length, and 20 cm in width.

Finally, any additional luggage beyond the one permitted handbag must be checked in.

Notably, all of these changes apply to both domestic and international travelers, and passengers who fail to comply with the new rules may face extra baggage fees.

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Exemptions:

Tickets booked before May 4, 2024, are exempt from the updated hand baggage weight restrictions. While travelers can carry 8 kg in economy class, they can take 10 kg in premium economy and 12 kg in first or business class.

Snacks on delays:

Passengers will receive beverages and snacks if flights are delayed between two to four hours. Meanwhile, for delays extending beyond four hours, hot meals will be provided, stated the aviation ministry's DGCA advisory announced on X (formerly Twitter) last month.

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The BCAS and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) introduced these changes to address airport congestion and reduce delays at security checks, making the boarding process more efficient.