One of the sectors to be majorly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was the travel industry. The whole aviation industry came to a halt as countries and states sealed their borders in order to not only contain the outbreak but also to prevent the influx of positive cases. India had gone into complete lockdown from March 24th, 2020. After more than two months of complete travel restrictions in India, the government finally decided to restart domestic flight travel from May 25. However, the resumption of flights does not really mean going back to the pre-COVID-19 norms and practices.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on 27 August, issued a fresh set of rules and guidelines for air travel, as a part of Unlock 4.0, which started on September 1st. DGCA has allowed domestic airline companies to operate at 60 percent operational capacity now as opposed to 45 percent capacity allowed in the earlier unlocks.
According to the recent guidelines, the Centre has also allowed domestic airlines to serve pre-packed snacks, meals, and beverages on flights depending on the travel time. Besides this, the government has also directed airlines that passengers who refuse to wear a face mask on the flight need to be put on the no-fly list.
For international flights, airlines are now allowed to serve hot meals with limited beverage options. Providing further details, the ministry mentioned that only single-use disposable trays, plates, and cutlery should be used while serving food or beverages on both the flights. It is also mandatory for the crew to wear a fresh set of gloves for every meal or beverage service on the flights.
Besides food, the DGCA has also allowed the usage of in-flight entertainment systems on international as well as domestic flights. According to the statement issued, Disposable earphones or cleaned and disinfected headphones will be provided to passengers at the start of the journey in order to follow all precautionary measures. Scheduled passenger flights from international airlines, which have been suspended in India since March 23, will remain so until further notice. However, special international flights are still being operated under the ‘Vande Bharat Mission’.
Apart from the rules and guidelines issued by the authorities, here are a few more precautions that one can practice while flying during the pandemic:
1. During flight booking, try choosing a window seat because various studies have shown that passengers sitting on the window seat have the least chances of catching any infections.
- Always practice social distancing, both at the airport and on the flight.3. Try not to remove your mask at all cost, unless unavoidable.
4. Avoid touching surfaces like doors, knobs, etc that are frequently touched by others.
5. Try keeping a good quality sanitizer with you at all times.
6. Please follow all necessary disinfecting protocols for the safety of yourself and others.
