Flights After Lockdown : Aviation Ministry Initially Does Not Want to Allow Luggage in Cabin

Mumbai : In the first phase to resume commercial flight service after lockdown, it may be mandatory to fill detailed questionnaire related to COVID-19, not carrying baggage in cabin, using Arogya Setu app and reach airport at least two hours before from the time of aircraft departure. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has prepared draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to resume commercial air travel service in the country.

Domestic air traffic has been suspended since March 25 due to the lockdown implemented for the prevention of coronavirus infection. The ministry said in a statement, “It is clarified that a draft discussion paper had sought suggestions from airlines and airports. These suggestions have now been received. The final standard operating procedure is yet to be released. ”

Green status, web check-in and temperature check have been proposed in the Arogya Setu app for all domestic air travelers. The draft SOP, distributed among the parties, states nothing about changing the crew and cockpit personnel during a flight. As far as possible, it is considered to keep them intact during the flight so that they reduce the risk of mutual infection.

The draft SOPs have been suggested not only for passengers but also for compliance with security agencies, airport operators including non-checking of identity cards at airport entrances and following social distance norms. Another suggestion includes keeping three of the aircraft’s queues empty to accommodate a passenger with a medical emergency.

According to sources, the draft SOP has been prepared after consultation with all parties including airlines and airport operators. Suggestions have been sought from stakeholders on this. The draft SOPs have been suggested not only for passengers, but also for compliance with security agencies, airport operators. This includes not checking identity cards at airport entrances and following social distance rules. Another suggestion includes keeping three of the aircraft’s queues empty to accommodate a passenger with a medical emergency.

According to sources, the draft SOP has been prepared after consultation with all parties including airlines and airport operators. Suggestions have been sought from stakeholders on this. In this draft SOP, nothing has been said about keeping the middle seat of the aircraft empty to maintain social distance. Aviation regulator DGCA suggested that the middle seat be kept vacant before commercial flight services were suspended in March.

It states, “Passengers should be given a questionnaire and information should be filled in advance of the journey if they have been in isolation or hospital due to COVID-19 in the last one month.” According to the document, “a passenger who has been living in isolation for the last one month should be sent to a separate security check unit for security check.”

According to the document, passengers should be advised to keep themselves aware of the new rules in which airports are introduced, especially with regard to the rules of social distance and the least touch of various surfaces. It states that passengers should also be aware of luggage related limits. They should be registered on the Arogya Setu App and reach the authorized taxis to reach the airport.

The ministry also proposed that passengers should arrive at the airport at least two hours before the flight and conduct a passenger identification check to minimize congestion at entry points. According to the document, passengers can check-in the web and baggage should not be allowed in cabin in the initial phase of operation. The Ministry also suggests that passengers who are not allowed to travel due to high body temperature or age etc., should be allowed to change the date at no extra charge.