Govt introduces new flight rules for domestic flyers

August 28: The government has revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for domestic and international travel. Civil Aviation Ministry has permitted the airlines to serve pre-packed snacks, meals and beverages on domestic flights as per the policy of the Airlines depending on the duration of flight time subject to the following conditions. In all classes! tea/coffee/ non-alcoholic beverage services will be in disposable cans/ containers/ bottles/glasses. There will be no pouring service and beverages will be served in single use disposable units. Further, the Crew shall wear a fresh set of gloves for every meal/beverage service.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, in-flight meal service was not permitted on domestic flights since their resumption on May 25. On international flights, only pre-packed cold meals and snacks were being served depending on the flight duration since May this year.

Also, refusal to wear a face mask on board a flight could put a passenger on the no-fly list, the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) has announced. Flyers, who refuse to wear face masks during a flight can be put on the no-fly list. Apart from this, in-flight entertainment can be used in whichever airline that allows it. All IFEs to be cleaned and disinfected prior to boarding. Disposable earphones or cleaned and disinfected headphones will be provided. Over and above standard SOP for aircraft interior cleaning, all passenger touchpoints will be carefully cleaned and disinfected after the flight.