Domestic flights to resume: Government issues guidelines for passengers, airlines; 15 things to know

New Delhi: Domestic air travel will commence from Monday (May 25). Air travel of passengers, both domestic and international, has been prohibited since March 25 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Now, the Union government has decided to resume air travel.

Before you take the flight, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by the ministry of civil aviation (MoCA). The set of guidelines are put out for the safety of passengers and major stakeholders (airlines, airports, security agencies, ground handling agencies and health authorities and others).

Also read: Bengaluru airport introduces various measures; ready to welcome back passengers

On Thursday (May 21), the ministry of civil  aviation issued the guidelines. The following 15 things are part of the ministry’s guidelines. You need to follow them.

1. No physical check-in at airport counters would be done. Only those passengers with confirmed web check-in shall be allowed to enter the airport

2. A self-declaration/Aarogya Setu App status (for compatible device) would also be obtained that the passenger is free of COVID-19 symptoms. Passengers with "Red" status on Aarogya Setu App would not be permitted to travel

3. At the airport, he/she should get himself/herself checked for temperature. This will be done by a designated staff of the airport. The status of "Aarogya Setu" should be displayed to the staff

4. Passengers will be required to wear the protective gear (Face mask). Vulnerable persons, such as very elderly, pregnant ladies, passengers with health issues are advised to avoid air travel

5. In the initial stage passenger would be entitled to carry maximum of one hand baggage and one checked-in baggage as per the specifications by the airline of his travel

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6. No newspaper or magazine shall be provided on board by the airlines

7. Use of baggage trolleys has to be minimized

8. Passengers should report at least two hours before the departure time

9. The passenger shall not travel if he/she is staying in a containment zone. Also, they should not travel if they have been tested positive for COVID-19. The passengers are expected to certify the status of their health through the Aarogya Setu app or a self-declaration form

10. The passenger shall give a declaration to the following effect:

I/we am/are not residing in any containment zone

I/we am/are not suffering from any fever/cough/any respiratory distress

I/we am are not under quarantine

If I/we develop any of the above-mentioned symptoms I shall contact the concerned health authorities immediately

I/we have not tested CO\.{D-19 positive in last two months

I/we am eligible to travel as per the extant norms

I/we make my mobile number / contact details available to the airlines whenever required by them.

I/we understand that if I/we undertake the air journey without meeting the eligibility criteri4 l/we would be liable to penal action

I/we undertake to adhere to the health protocol prescribed by the destination State/UT

11. If a passenger who is not permitted to fly, undertakes an air journey he/she shall be liable for penal action

12. No meal services would be made available in the aircraft. Water bottle to be made available in the galley area or on the seats

13. Passengers would not be permitted to consume any eatables inside the aircraft during the flight

14. There would be no on-board sale of any item to minimise the physical contacts

15. lf any passenger feels uncomfortable, fatigued or have cough, it should be brought to the notice of the crew for handling the passenger

Full guidelines can be seen here