New Delhi: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Thursday issued the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for airline passengers, a day after Ministry of Civil Aviation informed that commercial flights will resume beginning May 25.
The ministry said it will prescribe lower and upper limit on air fares and airlines will have to adhere to it "during the period of COVID-19 pandemic".
Standard Operating Procedures for airline passengers The key guidelines by the AAI states that all passengers should have the Aarogya Setup app, adding that it is not mandatory for childrens below 14 years of age.
Guidelines for Passengers "It shall be verified by the Central Industrial Security Force/Airport staff at the entry gate. However, Aarogya Setu is not mandatory for children below the age of 14 years," AAI said.
Guidelines for Passengers The new set of guidelines include mandatory thermal screening of passengers, sanitisation of baggage before entering the airport. The airports have been asked to arrange equipment for this purpose.
Guidelines for Passengers The SOP further informed the airports that passenger seating arrangement shall be done in such a manner so as to maintain social distancing among passengers using chairs by blocking those seats that are not to be used, with proper markers/tapes.
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As per the guidelines only one check-in bag would be allowed and airlines will not provide any meal services in flights, the ministry said.
Guidelines for Passengers Boarding for a flight will commence 60 minutes before departure and boarding gate will be closed 20 minutes before departure, it said.
The guidelines also advised "Vulnerable" persons, such as very elderly, pregnant ladies, passengers with health issues to avoid air travel.
Guidelines for Passengers Furthermore, it detailed that no physical check-in counters would be allowed at the airport.
"Only those passengers with confirmed web check-in shall be allowed to enter the airport."
All scheduled commercial passenger flights were suspended in India since March 25, when the Central government imposed lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. However, cargo flights, medical evacuation flights and special flights were allowed to operate after approval by the aviation regulator DGCA.
The SOP advised the airports that use of trolleys should be discouraged in departure and arrival area. However, select few passengers, requiring trolley due genuine reasons, to be provided on request basis. The guidelines also stated that plexiglass covering check-in and security check counters Support staff handling passengers with special needs like wheel chair etc. will be in full protective gear.
The state governments have been asked to ensure adequate availability of taxis and public transports at the airports. During the arrival, the airlines have been asked to disembark the passengers in batches sequentially.
(With agencies inputs)
