Consider spot fines on passengers not wearing masks properly: DGCA
Aviation regulator Director-General of Civil Aviation on Tuesday told the airports to consider imposing spot fines, with the help of police authorities, on passengers who are not wearing masks properly and maintaining social distance as per the COVID-19 guidelines. In a circular, the regulator said, "During the surveillance of some airports, it has come to notice that compliance (of COVID-19 protocols) is not satisfactory."
Ensure all regulations are followed scrupulously: DGCA
"All airport operators are requested to ensure that the instructions on COVID-19 protocol from the standpoint of wearing face mask properly, covering nose and mouth, as well as maintaining social distance norms within the airport premises are followed scrupulously," the regulator stated. "Accordingly, all airport operators can increase surveillance in this regard," it further added.
Take punitive action in accordance with the law: DGCA
"The possibility of taking punitive action, such as levy of spot fines in accordance with the law, shall also be explored with the local police authorities so as to serve as a deterrent for violation of COVID-19 protocol," it stated.
Here is the circular by DGCA
DGCA's earlier circular called for deboarding of 'unruly' passengers
On March 14, the DGCA had issued a circular stating that all passengers who refuse to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing could be deboarded before the departure of the flight or treated as unruly passengers. In its circular, DGCA also instructed that masks shouldn't be moved below the nose except under exceptional circumstances.
Here is what DGCA's earlier circular stated
Fifteen passengers may be banned for three months
"Fifteen passengers, who were found violating COVID-19 norms on domestic flights of three airlines between March 15 and March 23, maybe banned for three months by the carriers," the senior officials of DGCA had said last week.
DGCA has suspended international flights till April 30
The domestic flight operation, which was halted due to coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown, resumed its operation on May 25 last year. However, due to a surge in the number of COVID-19 infections the DGCA has announced the suspension of all international flights till April 30. The suspension does not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA.
