India is all set to resume scheduled international flights on Sunday after over two years of pandemic-induced ban on air travel. In accordance with the same, the Centre has announced several relaxations to the existing COVID-19 protocols that will come into effect at airports and flights. COVID-19
According to the new rules announced by the ministry of civil aviation, cabin crew members will no longer be needed to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and security personnel at airports are allowed to resume pat-down search of passengers, wherever needed.
Airlines are directed to leave three seats vacant on international flights for medical emergencies and in order to facilitate a “smooth conduct of air operations”. Meanwhile, wearing protective face masks and maintenance of hand hygiene/sanitizer is still mandatory at airports and on flights, the Centre said.
“Airlines may carry a few additional PPE protective gears, sanitizer and N-95 masks, to handle any respiratory infections related to cases on air, for passengers as well as the crew,” the ministry further noted.