Indigo, SpiceJet, Vistara Can Start Bookings After May 18; Passengers Must Follow These Rules!

The flying norms involving hygiene and safety are bound to change in the post COVID-19 world!

As per the reports airlines have already asked online travel agents to prepare for bookings after May 18 as the Civil Aviation Ministry is going through the several suggestions received from airlines and airports on steps to be implemented after the flight operations resume post-lockdown.

Read to find out more…

Airports in Green Zones to Start Operating?

In his address to the nation on May 12th evening, PM Modi said lockdown 4.0 will be in force from May 18. 

He stated that it will be very different from the earlier phases of lockdown, dropping hints that domestic airlines may start operations between airports falling under green zones — areas which have not reported any new COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days.

The central government’s aviation department had already announced that flight service may resume in a phased manner in the upcoming relaxations on lockdown. Commenting on the development, an AAI (Airports Authority of India) official had earlier said that they are ready to resume operations but only if the central government gives them the green signal.

The development comes a day after a joint team (Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security Office, Airports Authority of India, Delhi International Airport Limited, Central Industrial Security Force) under Ministry of Civil Aviation visited Delhi airport before the resumption of and took a detailed note of preparedness.

Some New Suggestions in Change of Regulations Proposed!

People above 80 years of age to be restricted from travel in Phase I of flight resumption.

Among the suggestions received, a policy of no cabin baggage in the initial phase has also been proposed.  The checked-in baggage to be only one piece of weight less than 20 kg.

The mandatory passenger ID check at the airport entry has also been suggested to be done away with to minimize rush at the entry as it has no significant value addition. 

It has also been recommended that passengers with green status on Aarogya Setu App only will be allowed to travel. Any passenger or staff showing any symptom will not be allowed to enter the airport terminal building.

Checking and frisking have also been suggested to be minimized and should be carried out only if Door Frame Metal Detector (DFMD) beeps. 

The stamping of boarding passes by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been advised to be dispensed with.