DGCA issues new set of guidelines for airlines

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued a new set of guidelines for the airline companies to be followed while operating flights.

India had resumed its domestic passenger flights from May 25 after a gap of two months due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown.

The new guidelines are:

• All passengers must be provided with safety kits by airlines, which include three layered surgical mask, face shield and sanitizer.

• The airlines shall allot the seats in such a manner that the middle seat is kept vacant if the passenger load and seat capacity permits the same. However, the members of same family may be allowed to sit together.

• If middle seat is occupied due to passenger load, then additional protective equipment like ‘wrap around gown’ (Ministry of Textiles approved standards) shall be provided to the individual occupying the intervening seat in addition to the three layer face mask and face shield.

• No meals or drinking water shall be served on board except in extreme circumstances arising due to health reasons.

• The embarkation/disembarkation shall be sequential and passengers shall be advised by airlines to follow the instructions and not to rush to the entry/exit gate. The airline shall ensure orderly entry/exit of the passengers.

• Airlines shall set the air-conditioning system in such a way that the air gets replaced at the shortest possible intervals.

• Aircraft shall be sanitized after each trip when there is no passenger on board. However, on transit flights, when passengers are onboard, the seats (including its contacts) which have been vacated by the passenger shall be sanitized.

• Airplane lavatories shall be cleaned frequently during the flight.

• Airlines shall carry out health check-up of all crew regularly. All flying crew/cabin crew shall be given full protective suits.

• In case of COVID-19 related medical emergency on board, aircraft disinfection shall be carried with special attention to all the affected and adjoining seats.

• Airlines/airports shall explore the possibility of having a disinfection tunnel to ensure safety of passengers after fully evaluating its health implications on human beings.