| Aviation Law

The course will serve as a first exposure and provide a baseline understanding of civil aviation with special emphasis on Indian Laws. The course is structured in a format that it engages with the first principles of aviation law and thereafter deep dives into topics that are of conflict in the field. Students shall also participate in the design and drafting of policies and agreements as a part of the classroom exercise.

The law governing aviation is of a special nature due to the nature of cooperation between nation-states and the harmonization of the industry. The cooperation and harmonization do not exclude the disputes that exist. The course coverage is a mix of public and private law. Much of the aviation transactions and regulation is facilitated by intermediaries acting within the scope of the authority that has been conferred on them. Special legislation and contracts are widely used in aviation, and this course would provide an opportunity to engage with the same.

Course Coverage: International civil aviation and Domestic civil aviation. The first principles of international aviation law. Air Navigation; Air Traffic Services; Meteorological Information; and Satellite Imagery. Airport Business; Airport ownership; Privatisation of Airport; AERA; Aerodrome responsibility; Ground Handling; Retail Outlets; International frontiers and taxation; and Airlines. Safety and Security in Aviation. Artificial Intelligence, Automation of Air Traffic Services, and Passenger Identification and Privacy. Dispute resolution in Aviation.

Students will have a broad understanding of the principles of the law of aviation and be able to demonstrate their understanding and application of the principles in diverse facts.

Teaching Method: The Course will be taught by delivering Lectures, engaging the students in classroom discussions and case law analysis using the Socratic Method.

Course Objectives

1.   To facilitate understanding of the application of general principles of aviation law;
2.   To familiarize students with the aviation sector;
3.   To study various modes and types of contract and emerging principles in aviation;
4.   To develop student’s interest in research in aviation; and
5.   To provide an understanding of the various legal development in this area through recent landmark judicial decisions and technological advancements.