New Delhi:
A day after announcing resumption of domestic commercial passenger flights from May 25, the Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday issued detailed guidelines or standard operating procedure (SOP) for airlines, airports, passengers and other stakeholders.
According to the SOP, all passengers must have the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile phones which has to be verified by CISF or airport staff at the entry gate. However, Aarogya Setu app is not mandatory for children below 14 years of age.
The ministry said it will prescribe lower and upper limit on air fares and airlines will have to adhere to it "during the period of COVID-19 pandemic".
"On the day of commencement (May 25), limited operations (about one-third) would be permitted," it said.
It said passengers will have to report at airport two hours prior to their flight's scheduled departure time and only those who have done web check-in will be allowed to enter the terminal building.
Only one check-in bag would be allowed and airlines will not provide any meal services in flights, the ministry said.
"Passengers shall compulsorily walk through screening zone for thermal screening at a designated place in the city side before entering the terminal building," the AAI said in its SOP, which has been accessed by PTI.
Boarding for a flight will commence 60 minutes before departure and boarding gate will be closed 20 minutes before departure, it said.
All scheduled commercial passenger flight operations have been suspended since March 25, when the Modi government announced the nationwide lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had announced on Wednesday that domestic flights will resume from May 25 in a calibrated manner.
Here are some key points from the SOP issued by AAI
Airport operators must make appropriate arrangements for sanitisation of a passenger's baggage before his or her entry into the terminal building, said the SOP, dated May 20.
Passengers are supposed to reach the airport 2 hours in advance. Passengers who have departuere in the next four hours will be allowed inside the Terminal.
Passengers are required to pass through the screening zone for thermal screening before entering the terminal.
The use of trolleys will be discouraged and provided for genuine reasons only on request.
Airport operators to make proper arrangement for sanitisation of baggage.
All entry gates of the terminal shall be opened to avoid crowding.
Mats/carpets soaked with bleach (sodium hydrochloride) will be placed at the entrance to disinfect shoes.
Wheelchairs will have to be sanitised and help staff will be in full protective gear.
Sufficient staff is to be deployed to ensure social distancing at ticket counters, conveyor belts, and at any such place where people can gather.
Social distancing is to be maintained in the seating arrangement as well.