DGCA orders probe into mid-air wedding

A couple in Tamil Nadu held their wedding in mid-air onboard a chartered SpiceJet plane with more than 100 guests along with them. Most of them were seen without face masks and not observing Covid-19 protocols, reports said.

New Delhi: India's aviation watchdog, Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday initiated an investigation over reports of mid-air marriage ceremony and has ordered taking the crew off duty.

The DGCA also has asked for registering a complaint against all passengers who were part of the onboard marriage celebration and violated COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.

"Crew members are off rostered. Airline directed to lodge a complaint against those not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour with relevant authorities," a DGCA official told ANI.

A couple tied the knot on-board a chartered flight from Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Their relatives and guests were on the same flight. On Sunday, a SpiceJet aircraft had booked a charter flight by a Madurai-based private person for the mid-air marriage ceremony but authorities were not informed regarding the marriage on board.

"A SpiceJet chartered flight was booked yesterday from Madurai. Airport Authority officials unaware of the mid-air marriage ceremony," says Madurai Airport Director, S Senthil Valavan. Earlier India's aviation regulator, DGCA had issued guidelines for air travelers and clearly mentioned to de-board passengers who are 'wearing mask incorrectly' from the plane.

"Upon boarding the aircraft, in case any passenger does not adhere to wearing of mask properly even after repeated warnings, he/she should be de-boarded, if need be, before departure. In case, any passenger onboard an aircraft refuses to wear mask or violates the 'COVID-19 protocol for passengers' even after repeated warnings, during the course of the flight, such passenger may be treated as 'Unruly Passenger'," the DGCA guideline said.

The DGCA has sought a full report from the airline company and the Airport Authority regarding the said incident. Further, the DGCA said. "The adherence to above directions shall be ensured by all concerned with immediate effect. Strict action shall be taken in case of any violation", it added.

Relatives and guests were the other passengers on the flight. In a video of the event that has gone viral on the internet the groom is seen tying the mangalsutra, and getting photographed with his new bride.

The photographer in one shot encourages them to smile for the camera. Others are also seen standing behind the couple and there are also visuals of the inside of the aircraft with people sitting and enjoying the function.

Most of them were seen without face masks and not observing Covid-19 protocols.

Officials say they were not aware of the mid-air marriage. "A SpiceJet chartered flight was booked yesterday from Madurai. Airport Authority officials were unaware of the mid-air marriage ceremony", informed Madurai Airport Director, S Senthil Valavan.

As per the visuals, the flight seemed to be at full capacity.

In social media videos, the bride wearing a saree is bedecked with flowers and jewelry, and the groom is also dressed in traditional south Indian attire. Tamil Nadu is currently under lockdown till May 31 due to prevailing Covid-19 restrictions.

(ANI)