The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has made changes to aircraft rules to allow passengers to use mobile phones as soon as the plane lands and clears the active runway.

The passengers can switch on their mobile phones once the aircraft clears the active runway except in cases when low visibility at the airport. Until now, the passengers were only allowed to use the phone after the plane comes to a complete halt. The use of mobile phones was restricted to ensure that cellular signals do not interfere with the communication between the cockpit and the air traffic control.

DGCA announced that it has amended Rule 29B of Aircraft Rules. "Pilot-In-Command (PIC), having cleared the active runway after landing with no other runway/ intersections to cross, in visual flight conditions and when the PIC is comfortable, will intimate the cabin crew incharge on the intercom to make the announcement for the passengers for the use of the cellular phone," said the aviation safety regulator.

The head of cabin crew in the aircraft will announce when the passengers can switch on their mobile phones. All airlines will have to adopt the change before Friday, 22 October.