Keeping strict vigil: DGCA to HC on Covid protocols in flights

New Delhi, March 17 : Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aviation regulator, on Wednesday told the Delhi High Court that it is keeping a strict vigil on the non-compliance of Covid-19 protocols on flights.
DGCA’s response came after the court took suo motu cognizance of the fact that passengers in an Air India flight from Kolkata to New Delhi on March 5 wore masks below their chin and showed a stubborn reluctance to wear them properly.
“We are keeping strict vigil. Surprise checks would be carried out. Four people on way to Jammu were declared unruly passengers for not complying with Covid-19 norms,” Advocate Anjana Gosain appearing for the DGCA told the court.
Counsel for the Air India informed that Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) have been issued, while Gosain said that private airlines should also issue such SoPs. “It was most needed step,” Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma said.
To this, the court said that the guidelines should continue to be implemented while keeping in mind the safety of the passengers.
On March 13, the aviation regulator had asked airlines to deboard passengers who do not wear their masks properly despite repeated warnings. The watchdog also directed airlines to treat a passenger as unruly in case the person violates the protocols.