June 2, 2020
However, if a passenger is given the middle seat because of a large number of passengers, "then additional protective equipment like wrap-around gown of the ministry of textile approved standards" must be provided. In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requested airlines on Monday to keep middle seats as empty as possible. But if a passenger is given the middle seat because there are many other passengers, "then additional protective equipment such wrap-around gown of the ministry of textile approved standards" must also be given to that person, in addition to a three-layered face mask and facial shield," it stated.
The Supreme Court had stated on May 25 that the DGCA is free to change its norms in the interest of the public health and safety of passengers "rather than of commercial considerations" while hearing a case on whether or not to leave middle seats vacant on flights
The DGCA stated in its order on Monday that "The airlines shall allot the seats in such a manner that the middle seat between two passengers is kept vacant if the passenger load and seat capacity permits the same." The DGCA cited this Supreme Court observation in making this statement. However, it continued, "members of the same family may be permitted to sit together." An average Indian narrow body aircraft has 180 seats in a 33 layout, which translates to 60 middle seats and an equal number of window and aisle seats. This means that up to 120 passengers can be accommodated without filling the middle seats. According to the DGCA order, airlines are required to give each passenger a safety kit.
It must contain a face shield, a three-layered surgical mask, and enough sanitizer in either a sachet or a bottle. The airlines must advise passengers to follow the instructions and not to rush to the entry or exit gate during the sequential embarkation or disembarkation. The DGCA noted that the airline must ensure that passengers enter or exit in a timely manner.
