Consider imposing fines on passengers not wearing ‘properly’ masks: DGCA for airports

Aviation regulator DGCA said on Tuesday that it is considered to increase surveillance at airports to comply with the COVID-19 criteria and to apply spot fines with the help of police officers, who do not properly wear masks to passengers And help maintain social distance. On 13 March, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) asked airports and airlines to ensure that passengers wear masks at all times during air travel and maintain social distance, and take action against those who violate the norms

. In a circular issued on Tuesday, the regulator stated, “While monitoring some airports, it has come to notice that compliance (of the COVID-19 protocol) is not satisfactory.” Therefore, all airport operators are requested to make sure to wear face masks properly, To cover the nose and mouth, along with the instructions of the COVID-19 protocol, to maintain social distance norms within the airport premises. said. Accordingly, all airport operators can increase surveillance in this regard, the DGCA said.

“The possibility of taking punitive action, such as charging spot fines in accordance with the law, will also be explored with local police officers to serve as a deterrent for violations of the COVID-19 protocol,” it said. The March 13 circular asked airport operators to hand over passengers, who are not following the COVID-19 protocol, despite repeated warnings to security agencies. In addition, it asked airlines to de-board passengers who refused to follow the COVID-19 criteria even after repeated warnings, And considered them “uncontrolled”. An “unregistered” passenger may be prohibited from flying by the airline for any period between three and 24 months, as per DGCA norms. Senior DGCA officials said that fifteen passengers who were found to be violating COVID-19 norms in domestic flights of three airlines between 15 March and 23 March could be banned. These 15 passengers included nine from IndiGo, four from Alliance Air and two from AirAsia India

. While most of these passengers refused to wear masks on flights, others refused to wear them on PPE gowns which are mandatory for those in the middle seats. . Those found violating the COVID-19 criteria on domestic flights of three airlines between March 15 and March 23 may be banned. These 15 passengers included nine from IndiGo, four from Alliance Air and two from AirAsia India. While most of these passengers refused to wear masks on flights, others refused to wear them on PPE gowns which are mandatory for those in the middle seats. . Those found violating the COVID-19 criteria on domestic flights of three airlines between March 15 and March 23 may be banned. These 15 passengers included nine from IndiGo, four from Alliance Air and two from AirAsia India. While most of these passengers refused to wear masks on flights, others refused to wear them on PPE gowns which are mandatory for those in the middle seats. .