DGCA ask airlines to leave middle seat vacant, ensure 'distant' in-flight service

In a bid to fight the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), civil aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued guidelines on social distancing to airlines and airport operators.

After the Union government's announcement of lockdown in several cities, the DGCA on Monday clarified that there were no restrictions on cargo operations in any airport in India. Moreover, domestic flights to and from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, shall continue to operate, and the airport shall remain functional.

From Sunday, no international flight is allowed to land in India till March 31. But to cater to domestic passengers, the DGCA has asked all airlines to ensure adequate spacing at check-in counters between passengers (minimum of one meter) and also between each individual counter.

The DGCA has asked airlines to ensure availability of adequate staff for guiding the passengers at check-in counters and during security checks.

Passengers are to be advised to sit at adequate distance in the airport waiting area, keeping one seat vacant.

Airlines have been asked to ensure that boarding is done in a manner that avoids crowding of passengers at any time and also ensures adequate spacing between passengers in boarding lines.

Apart from providing sanitisers for staff and passengers at the entry of the aircraft, the DGCA has also directed that cabin crew maintain adequate distance while serving the passengers.

"Seat allocation at the time of check-in is to be done to in a manner to ensure that the seat between two passengers is kept empty,” the DGCA said, while adding that any other action as deemed appropriate to ensure social distancing is taken.