DGCA has strict norms for Drones and usage of it. But lately, things are shaping up and easing for the carraige of drones and other camera equipments.
Recently I carried drone with batteries in my handbag and drone in the checkin baggage. I was travelling from Patna to Delhi. The CISF and Air India security was concerned about the prsence of lot of electronics and noted my details(Happens often with photographers). Then all was easy and no hassle at all.
Short guide on the carriage of drones as taken from Air India guidelines.
Domestic flights
Carriage of drones on domestic flights is governed by the regulations set by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Drone Rules 2021.
Nano, micro and small drones weighing up to 2kg can be carried as cabin baggage and checked baggage, unless the partner airline policy specifies otherwise.
Drones with battery capacity up to 160 Wh are allowed as checked-in baggage. Only two spare batteries are allowed for large drones with battery capacity between 100 Wh and 160 Wh.
All drones must be in switched-off condition and packed appropriately.
Batteries, including spare ones, must be packed as cabin baggage. If the drone is carried as checked-in baggage, the batteries must be removed and carried as cabin baggage. Nano drones with Li batteries can only be carried as cabin baggage.
Drones with a battery capacity over 160 Wh cannot be carried as either cabin or checked-in baggage. They are allowed only as cargo shipment subject to obtaining prior approval.
International flights
The carriage of drones on international flights is subject to the drone carriage policy of the concerned country.
Happy Travelling & Overlanding
Ram