New Delhi: As the Centre is mulling to grant relaxation to aviation sector during the likely extended coronavirus lockdown beyond April 14, budget carrier SpiceJet is all set to fly its passenger but with strict adherence to social distancing norms as framed by aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
As per the visuals, SpiceJet has prepared a blueprint on social distancing which will be ensuring adequate space between passengers once operations resume post lockdown. The airline has planned seating arrangement in its terminal ferry buses, where only 15 passengers will be allowed to enter inside and they will not be allowed to sit on 'X' marked seats.
Similarly, boarding staircase has also been earmarked which will illuminate at night and only 5 people can stand on the staircase while entering or exiting the aircraft.
As of now, only cargo flights and special flights are operating from the country and passenger air traffic - domestic and international - was halted even before PM Modi announced the 21-day countrywide lockdown on the evening of March 14.
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) pictures accessed by ETV Bharat shows that the airport is now fully geared up to welcome the passengers, check-in counter spaces, terminal entry, check-in, security, immigration, waiting area and the boarding area have also been earmarked to comply with strict social distancing norms until the coronavirus pandemic is over.
Last month, DGCA had issued several guidelines on social distancing for airlines and airport operators. The regulatory body requested flyers to keep a distance of minimum one metre at check-in counters, waiting areas and during security checks.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has also prepared a new plan for air travellers when schedule passenger flights resume. The protocol submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said the "passengers reaching timing at the airport will be two hours before their flight timing with proper protective gear like a mask, gloves, and sanitisers."
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