Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India on Tuesday reviewed the existing COVID-19 guidelines for domestic and international flight operations and issued a consolidated set of guidelines for aviation stakeholders including airlines, airport operators and passengers.Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued guidelines/SOPs for operators, passengers and other stakeholders to ensure smooth conduct of air operations, safety and hygiene of passengers to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection during air travel.
Considering the overall improvement in the situation and the readiness of the government to deal with the pandemic, the home ministry suggested that the provisions of the Disaster Management (DM) Act may not be required to be used for COVID prevention measures in future.
Ministry of Civil Aviation also assessed the COVID-19 criteria for overseas operations. Consequently, there was a need to consolidate the instructions issued from time to time, and a set of new instructions to be followed by passengers, airport operators and airlines. This will replace any previous instructions.
Passengers should continue to wear masks at airports and on board aircraft. In addition, the extant MoHFW norms will be followed for furnishing accurate and true information in the self-declaration form on the Online Air Suvidha Portal.
Latest Instructions for Domestic and International air travel;
Air Passengers Instructions
1. Passengers shall, before entering the terminal, ensure to wear a face mask as per the existing requirement. Passengers will continue to wear masks throughout the journey.
2. Cleanliness and hygiene must be maintained by passengers at the airport terminal as well as during the arrival and departure of the aircraft.
Airlines Instructions
1. The airline operator shall make necessary arrangements to ensure that the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus is minimized. Passengers can be sensitized about the precautionary measures to be taken by them through their websites, travel agents, call centres, demonstrations at airports, help booths at airports etc.
2. The airline will make regular announcements to create awareness among passengers about the need to follow proper COVID-19 practices like hand hygiene, wearing masks etc.
3. The airline will arrange an additional face mask and provide it to the passengers, if required.
Airport Operators Instructions
1. Airport operators will make necessary arrangements to ensure that the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus is minimized. Airport operators will take adequate hygiene measures at airports. The airport operator shall ensure coordination among other service providers such as airlines, security agencies, ground handling agencies, etc. to ensure fair conduct at the airport.
2. Prominently display the precautionary measures to be taken by all staff, crew, security personnel and passengers and make continuous announcements to make them aware.
3. Keep hand sanitizers/dispensers at prominent places at airports.
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