The Government has notified changes in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms on civil aviation, which will permit non-resident Indian nationals to own 100 per cent stake of Air India.

The gazette notification comes amid the ongoing process of strategic disinvestment of Air India.

Last month, the Government for the third time extended the deadline to bid for Air India as the Covid-19 fallout has disrupted economic activities globally.

The deadline was extended by two months till August 31. The divestment process for the national carrier was initiated on January 27.

“These rules may be called the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2020,” the official notification dated July 27, 2020 said.

They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette, it said.

“Foreign investments in M/s Air India Limited, including that of foreign airlines shall not exceed 49 per cent either directly or indirectly except in case of those NRIs, who are Indian Nationals, where foreign investments is permitted up to 100 per cent under automatic route,” it said.

Substantial ownership and effective control of Air India Limited shall continue to be vested in Indian Nationals as stipulated in Aircraft Rules, 1937, it added.

As per the present FDI Policy, 100 per cent FDI is permitted in scheduled Air Transport Service/Domestic Scheduled Passenger Airline (Automatic up to 49 per cent  and Government route beyond 49 per cent).

However, for NRIs 100 per cent FDI is permitted under automatic route in Scheduled Air Transport Service/Domestic Scheduled Passenger Airline.

The Government permits 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in helicopter services/seaplane services requiring Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approval.