Aviation: Planes to fly from May 25; airfares to bags, know what you are allowed
Aviation sector guidelines: On Thursday, the Civil Aviation Ministry issued detailed guidelines for airlines, airports, passengers and other stakeholders on issues ranging from control on airfares to restrictions on number of bags. The ministry said it will prescribe lower and upper limit on airfares and airlines will have to adhere to it. Notably this process is applicable only during the period of COVID-19 pandemic. According to the guidelines for domestic flights, "On the day of commencement (May 25), limited operations (about one-third) would be permitted," it said.
Check-in:
It said that the passengers will have to report at the airport two hours prior to their flight's scheduled departure time and only those who have done web check-in will be allowed to enter the terminal building. (Photo: Pixabay)
Bag and Meal service:
1. Only one bag would be allowed and airlines will not provide any meal services in flights, the ministry said.
2. All food and beverages (F&B) and retail outlets to be opened with COVID-19 precautions. Take-away, digital payments, self-ordering booths at F&B and retail outlets to be encouraged to prevent crowding, it said. (Photo: Pixabay)
Timings:
Boarding for a flight will commence 60 minutes before departure and the boarding gate will be closed 20 minutes before departure, it said. The guidelines said the passengers should expect a slower process at the airport and avoid last-minute arrival. (Photo: Pixabay)
Safety measure:
1. As a part of safety measure, passengers, before entering the terminal, to ensure wearing of protective gear, as per the prevailing requirement.
2. The passenger should continue to wear the mask throughout the journey. The guidelines said the airports would have to ensure easy availability of hand sanitisers at all entry points and also to be available at various touch points.
3. Airports have been advised to earmark areas for isolation and COVID-19 testing for suspected passengers. Airports should also have separate areas for change of PPE (personal protective equipment) gear by the staff using it.
4. Mats or carpets soaked with bleach (sodium hypochlorite solution) would be placed at the entrance for disinfecting shoes, it said. (Photo: Pixabay)
Who should not travel:
1. It said that the passengers should not travel if they are staying in a containment zone. Also, the passengers who have been tested positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to travel.
2. Vulnerable persons such as very elderly with co-morbidities, pregnant ladies, passengers with ailments are advised to avoid air travel. (Photo: Pixabay)
Aarogya Setu app:
The passengers are expected to certify the status of their health through the Aarogya Setu app or a self-declaration form.
The guidelines said passengers are expected to follow social distancing and sanitisation at all times from arrival to departure. (With PTI inputs) (Photo: Pixabay)