In view of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country, the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has asked the airlines to ensure adherence to the COVID-19 protocols. The authority is urging flight operators to ensure that all passengers are wearing face masks at all times during the flight and that the required hygiene of the aircraft is maintained by the airline. Also, the DGCA said that if any passenger shows dissent to follow the COVID-19 protocol, strict action will be taken against the passenger. Earlier, the DGCA had said that passengers who do not wear a mask on the flight can be treated with ‘aggressive’.
The civil aviation regulator had earlier warned that such passengers would be removed from the aircraft before departure if they are found without face masks and not following COVID-appropriate behaviour.
Giving details, civil aviation regulator DGCA said that CISF personnel will be in charge of implementing mask guidelines at airports.
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The new DGCA guidelines come days after the Delhi High Court ordered strict action against passengers who refuse to follow the COVID safety norms.
In its June 3 order, the high court called for strict action, observing that the pandemic is not over yet. “If the passenger refuses to follow the protocol despite the reminder, action should be taken under the Ministry of Health or DGCA guidelines,” it said.
The court said they can be physically removed, put on the “no-fly” list or handed over to security agencies for further action. “Issuing the said order is, in our view, the right move as the pandemic has not ended and continues to rear its ugly head,” the court observed.
With inputs from PTI