As we are all set to take baby steps into Unlock 4.0 starting September 1, India’s new flying rules have become stricter. Read on to know the latest rules and SOPs. By Kumar Shree
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has declared India’s new flying rules with strict prescribed actions against defaulters who do not adhere to the COVID-19 safety protocols while taking a flight. As per these new rules, those who do not wear masks or violate the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the flight will face stringent action. They will be put on the no-fly list and will not be allowed to fly anymore!
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On the other hand, the government has allowed airlines to resume their in-flight meal services on domestic flights. International flights have also been allowed to serve alcohol and hot meals. The decision for international flights, however, remain subject to certain guidelines.
So, if you are planning to take a flight from now on, make sure to follow all the SOPs. The flight commander and the cabin crew, now, are authorised to put passengers on the no-fly list upon proper assessment. Those who refuse to put on a mask and risk other passengers’ safety will eventually land up on that list. Some relaxations have also been put in place where passengers can remove their face masks for justified reasons.
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As reported by The Indian Express, a senior DGCA official said, “Someone will have to remove a mask for some time if they want to drink water or have meals. After such a service is over, the crew can ask the passenger to cover their faces with the mask. If someone is misbehaving, and only the crew can assess the situation, they can be put on the no-fly list.”
The civil aviation requirement issued by the DGCA governs the no-fly list in India and it chalks out the procedure for a person to be disallowed from flying.
As per the current SOPs, an airline must provide their passengers with a face-mask, a face shield and hand sanitiser before boarding a flight.
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