What Does “Subject to Government Approval” Mean When You Book a Flight?

You’ve just booked a flight, and instead of a solid confirmation, you see a notice: “Subject to Government Approval.”

What does that mean? Should you be worried? And most importantly—will your flight actually happen?

Let’s find out!

Why Some Flights Need Government Approval

When airlines launch new routes—especially international ones—they don’t just decide to start flying and go. They need official approval from the countries involved. That approval process can take time, which is why airlines sometimes start selling tickets before everything is finalized.

Flights are usually subject to government approval in these situations:

• New International Routes: If an airline is adding a new flight between two countries, it needs approval from aviation authorities.
• Seasonal or Charter Flights: Some flights, like special holiday routes or chartered services, require extra permissions.
• Regulatory or Political Issues: If there’s an ongoing negotiation between countries or a diplomatic issue, flights may be pending approval.
• Pandemic or Emergency Restrictions: Governments may limit flights for health or security reasons.

Will Your Flight Actually Happen?

Most of the time, yes—if an airline is selling tickets, they’re usually confident they’ll get approval. But there’s always a chance it could fall through, and it can happen without warning.

Your flight number, type of aircraft used, and even departure and arrival dates and times can change. If you see this notification on your booking, you’ve got to be proactive with confirming your travel details and checking back regularly for updates from your airline.

How to check the status:

1. Look for news updates from the airline or aviation authorities.
2. Check your email—airlines will usually notify you if anything changes.
3. Contact customer service if you’re unsure.

What Happens If the Flight Isn’t Approved?

If the government doesn’t approve the route, the airline will usually rebook you on a different flight (if there’s an alternative). They also may offer a refund if the flight is canceled, or give you credit for a future booking, depending on the airline’s policy. Make sure to check with your specific airline if this happens because each one has different cancellation procedures.

“Subject to Government Approval” sounds scary, but in many cases, it’s just a formality. If you’re booking a trip on one of these flights, keep an eye on updates and have a backup plan—just in case!

About the Author

As the editor-in-chief of Frayed Passport, my goal is to help you build a lifestyle that lets you travel the world whenever you want and however long you want, and not worry about where your next paycheck will come from. I've been to 20+ countries and five continents, lived for years as a full-time digital nomad, and have worked completely remotely since 2015. If you would like to share your story with our community, or partner with Frayed Passport, get in touch with me at sarah@frayedpassport.com!

Featured image by Samuel’s Photos on Unsplash