India's aviation regulator is considering a change in the way on-time performance of airlines is calculated, to base it on arrivals instead of departures, a move that will benefit passengers whose flights take off belatedly due to weather and other issues.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is discussing the proposal, which will also make Indian rules on a par with global norms. "We are discussing shifting the OTP calculation method on the basis of arrivals. This means a flight will have to arrive on time and not just depart on time to be considered on time," said a government official who did not want to be identified.

Currently, on-time performance of airlines is calculated on the basis of when a flight departs, which is when an aircraft pushes back from the parking stand or aerobridge. However, there are times when an aircraft does not take off after the pushback because of reasons such as fog and inconvenience the passengers, who are not allowed to disembark.

The change would bring respite for passengers and save them from being stuck in an aircraft for long durations in case of fog or extreme weather conditions, a senior airline executive said.

"One of the biggest benefits of the move will be to reduce the temptation of airlines to close the doors and push back to show on-time and then hold passengers on the ground for an extended period," the executive said.

The airline industry's response to the proposal has been mixed, with some calling it a good move and others saying airlines should not be penalised for infrastructure constraints that often lead to delays.

The change would bring respite for passengers and save them from being stuck in an aircraft for long durations in case of fog or extreme weather conditions, a senior airline executive said.

"One of the biggest benefits of the move will be to reduce the temptation of airlines to close the doors and push back to show on-time and then hold passengers on the ground for an extended period," the executive said.

The airline industry's response to the proposal has been mixed, with some calling it a good move and others saying airlines should not be penalised for infrastructure constraints that often lead to delays.

"This is a good move as the proposed model will throw correct OTP data. If I show up for a meeting late but left my home on time, am I late or on time?" the executive asked.

"Delays at a lot of these airports are due to infrastructure and ATC issues, which are not under an airline's control. If a flight reaches Delhi on time but has to hover around before it lands and gets delayed, why should an airline be penalised for a fault that is not under its control?" asked a senior executive with another airline.