What Is Cabotage in Aviation?
Cabotage defined for aviation professionals, with its operational or commercial use, document context and related terminology.
Definition and Operating Context
Cabotage is the carriage of passengers or cargo between two points within one state by a foreign carrier.
Aviation Glossary
Term: Cabotage
Category: Aviation Regulation & Traffic Rights
Operational Use
Most states restrict cabotage, so charter and airline operators must verify domestic traffic rights before selling or operating such sectors.
Regulatory Context
Cabotage sits within the regulatory framework governing international operations, airspace, border formalities, weather information or commercial traffic rights. Requirements can differ by state and by type of operation.
What Operators Need to Check
Verify the responsible authority, lead time, current validity, required documents and whether a separate airport, customs, immigration, slot or traffic-right approval is also needed.
Related Aviation Topics
Related ACMI World coverage includes international charter compliance, international private jet planning, diplomatic flight clearance, military airport access rules and DGCA wet-lease rules in India.
Most states restrict cabotage, so charter and airline operators must verify domestic traffic rights before selling or operating such sectors.
Cabotage FAQ
What does Cabotage mean in aviation?
Cabotage is the carriage of passengers or cargo between two points within one state by a foreign carrier.
Why does Cabotage matter?
Most states restrict cabotage, so charter and airline operators must verify domestic traffic rights before selling or operating such sectors.
Where would an aviation professional encounter Cabotage?
It is commonly encountered in aviation regulation & traffic rights documents, procedures, calculations or operating discussions where the underlying technical or commercial issue is relevant.
Is the requirement identical in every country?
No. International standards influence aviation regulation, but permits, filings, operating approvals and enforcement remain jurisdiction-specific.