Digital Goa, October 31 – The Goa government has made it mandatory for all operators of paragliding, paramotoring, hot air balloons, and drone flights to provide personal accident insurance of at least ₹15 lakh for every pilot and passenger. The new norms, part of the Goa Aero Sports Rules, 2025 notified by the Tourism Department on October 30, also prescribe strict penalties — including fines up to ₹2 lakh, permanent blacklisting, confiscation of gear and cancellation of registration or licence for safety violations, depending on their severity and recurrence. Operators must register with the Dept of Tourism and obtain a registration certificate before commencing activities. The prescribed fees include ₹1 lakh per aircraft, ₹10,000 per tandem pilot per season (October to May 31), ₹2,500 per solo foreign pilot, and ₹1,000 per solo Indian pilot, valid for four months. Only trained and licensed tandem pilots with specified flying hours will be permitted to operate commercially under the new rules. The rules also prescribe indemnity bonds, releasing the state government from any responsibility for medical or rescue costs in case of accidents.
