A view of Chennai airport. file | Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj
Wearing masks during air travel is no longer mandatory and the government has asked airlines not to impose fines.
However, the cabin crew will have to announce that passengers should “preferably” use masks or face covers, said an office memorandum issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on November 16.
According to the COVID-19 protocol guidelines issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in March 2021, airlines can declare passengers unvaccinated and bar them from flying for three months to two years, and if the passengers fail to comply If refused, the airport may impose fines. With social distancing norms or did not wear masks. The guideline came after the Delhi High Court observed that COVID-19 norms were being flouted by the passengers.