As India prepares to begin domestic flight operations from May 25, there are new standard operating protocols in place. According to reports, a face mask inside a place is now mandatory, while passengers will need to board and deplane in batches.
Also, the entire process from now on will be contact-less, and all this points to the fact that flying is never going to be the same again. According to the standard operating protocols, passengers are now required to do web-check-ins, and get online baggage tickets. So the entire process is now actually starting from home. Additionally, passengers need to reach the airport two hours before their scheduled departure.
Here are some of the salient features of the new standard operating protocols for domestic flights.
- Passengers are now required to download the Arogya Setu App, and activate it as well. Children below 14 years of age are exempted from this rule.
- Face masks are absolutely essential at all times, even inside the aircraft.
- Airports will not have newspapers, and magazines at the lounges.
- Passengers will now be discouraged from using trolleys in arrivals and departures.
- Baggage will be sanitized before entering the airport.
- The boarding and deplaning will occur in batches.
- Passengers will have to go through thermal screenings, and the entire process will be contact-less.
- The baggage collection area will have markings that will ensure social distancing is practiced.
- Passengers will be provided with safety kits.
- Inside the aircraft, passengers are not to queue in front of the bathrooms.
- Meals will not be served inside the aircraft. Water will be provided.
Over all, airports are required to ensure that all these rules are being followed by passengers, and constant announcements for the same will be made at regular intervals. There will be a heightened degree of sanitation of the airports.
