The ministry of civil aviation on Thursday published a set of guidelines to govern domestic flight services, which are set to begin on May 25. The ministry's guidelines come hours after the Airports Authority of India released its standard operating procedure, governing functioning at airports. The AAI's SOP mandated that Aarogya Setu app was compulsory for all flyers except those under the age of 14. However, the initial draft of the guidelines could result in some confusion on the Aarogya Setu requirements.
The civil aviation ministry's guidelines advise "vulnerable persons—such as very elderly, pregnant ladies and others with health issues—to avoid air travel”.
The civil aviation ministry guidelines inform there will not be physical check-in at airports; only passengers who have done web check-in will be allowed to enter the airport. Passengers have to complete the check-in procedure and baggage drop at least 60 minutes before departure. Only one check-in bag will be allowed, the guidelines say.
The guidelines reiterate the AAI SOP on need for Aarogya Setu. However it adds that this for people with "compatible phones"; other passengers need to produce a self-declaration form. In addition, the civil aviation ministry notes that passengers with red status on Aarogya Setu will not be allowed to travel. The AAI SOP notes that only those with green status can travel. The Aarogya Setu also has a ‘yellow’ colour classification, on which the SOP and guidelines are silent.
With regard to onboard services, the guidelines state that there will be no meal services or in-flight magazines or newspapers provided by airlines. Airline crew will be in full protective gear. Passengers have to collect face masks and sanitisers from the boarding gate.
Inside the aircraft, the ministry's guidelines call on passengers to minimise use of the lavatory. Passengers are also not permitted to consume any eatables inside the aircraft.
