Domestic Flights Resume: Guidelines Passengers Must Follow At The Airports

Domestic flights can resume when the Center issues rules for travelers at airports! After all civil aircraft were halted due to the coronavirus epidemic two months ago, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri stated on Wednesday that domestic flights will resume on May 25. So that the appropriate precautions may be taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus due to the restart of operations, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday announced comprehensive recommendations for the airports, passengers, and key stakeholders. In announcing the recommendations, the government claimed to have contacted stakeholders and experts before developing them.

Domestic flights to resume: Detailed guidelines by Centre

Some general recommendations are included in the ministry's comprehensive guidelines

• Only 33.33% of the operations would initially be permitted, and more operations would be added in a measured way.
• The recommendations suggest against flying for anyone over the age of, women who are pregnant, and people who have health difficulties.
• The directive to stop physical check-ins at counters has been given to the airports. The airports will only be open to travelers who have completed their web check-in.
• Airlines must abide by the floor and ceiling limits set by the ministry for the duration of the COVID-19 epidemic.
• Additionally, the travelers must self-certify or provide proof of their Aarogya Setu status for devices that may accept it that they are free of COVID-19.
• The airlines are not allowed to serve meals on board.
• The requirements also provide that the cabin crew must wear full protective gear.
• There should only be one check-in bag per traveller.
• Newspapers and magazines won't be allowed to be distributed by airlines to their passengers.
• The use of luggage trolleys must be limited.
• At least two hours before the scheduled departure time, passengers would need to check in at the airport.

Domestic flights: Instructions for passengers

Passengers are required to follow specific instructions both on the way from their point of origin to the airport and after they arrive.
From the point of origin to the airport

• The passengers have been urged to become familiar with all the new policies, including those governing social distance, baggage restrictions, COVID-19 declarations, minimal contact, the Aarogya Setu app, use of licensed taxis, and electronic payments. Additionally, they have been warned to anticipate slowed down operations and to avoid arriving at the airport just before departure. At least two hours before departure is the recommended time to report.
• Remember to download your boarding pass, baggage identification number, and baggage tag before checking in online.
• In the beginning, travelers will only be permitted to bring one carry-on and one piece of checked luggage, the details of which will be provided by the airline of travel.
• Before entering the terminal, passengers are required to put on the safety gear, and they should keep the face mask throughout the entire trip.
• According to the regulations set forth by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the traveler has been encouraged to either use their own vehicle or a licensed taxi.
• To avoid contracting an infection, travelers must make sure they take all essential precautions on the way to the airport.
• Travel is not permitted for passengers staying in confinement zones. Additionally, those who tested positive for COVID-19 will not be permitted to fly. Through a self-declaration form or the Aarogya Setu app, they must attest to the state of their health.
• A passenger who is not authorized to fly but still makes the trip will face punishment.
• Airlines would have to make sure that boarding permits are only given out once passengers have properly submitted their self-declaration forms. If a PNR contains many passengers, it will be assumed that the declaration applies to each and every one of them.
• The passenger will need to attach the baggage tag in a visible location. If the traveler is unable to print the luggage tag, they must write the PNR and their name in bold on a thick piece of paper and attach it to the bag or string it to the bag.
• It is advisable to bring as little luggage as possible because trolley use will only be permitted occasionally.

• If a traveller cannot download the Aarogya Setu app, he will be directed to a counter that has been set up at the airport. Kids under the age of 14 are excluded from this law.
• The traveler will then proceed to the entry checkpoint, where the CISF counter is located. After verifying the passenger's identity, the CISF officials will check their identity card and boarding pass/e-boarding pass and let them in.
• The passenger will then proceed to the luggage drop counter and present the employees there with their PNR and identification. Additionally, they will need to present the personnel with the PNR number that is inscribed or printed on their luggage. The personnel will print the luggage tag after confirmation, affix it to the checked bag, and take it. An SMS will be sent to the passenger confirming the arrival of the luggage.
• The baggage restriction and social distance rules should be followed, according to the advice given to travelers. At the airport, markings like circles, squares, or tensor barriers will be used to designate the latter.
• The check-in and luggage drop process must be finished by the travelers at least one hour prior to the departure time.
• With the aid of plans created at the airport, the passengers will be directed to the security screening before embarkation. They have to abide by the authorities' published directives.
• They would be asked to take off all metal from their bodies during the screening and only bring one piece of carry-on luggage.
• The security personnel will adhere to the "minimum touch" principle and minimize physical contact with the travelers, who are asked to cooperate by doing as they are told.
• After screening is complete, travellers must proceed to the security hold area where they must adhere to social seclusion and sanitization rules. The seats with the "not for use" label cannot be used by passengers.
• Travelers must be mindful of social distance while at a food court or at retail establishments, maintain hygiene, and be aware of the sites where sanitizers would be available.
• Passengers should dispose of biohazardous material, such as old gloves, masks, and tissues, in yellow disposable bags or containers strategically positioned throughout the airport.
• Travelers must review the informational materials presented at airports that outline numerous health advisories regarding pre-boarding and on-flight procedures.
• The travelers must make sure they obtain the safety kits from the airlines close to the boarding gate, which include three-layered face masks, a face shield, and hand sanitizer. Before going to the gate for boarding pass scanning, they must put on the shield and mask, wash their hands, and sterilize them.
• Travelers must form the boarding line and adhere to social distance while hearing announcements.
• The traveller would scan the electronic boarding pass for boarding pass check-in. At the gate, they would have to present their ID to airline personnel.
• The passengers must adhere to a sequential boarding procedure that will take place.

The format of the declaration form that travelers must submit is described in the guidelines provided by the Center. The declaration must attest to the following:

• The traveler doesn't live in a containment area.
• There are no signs of respiratory distress, a cough, or a fever in the passenger.
• The traveler is not being held in isolation.
• The traveler must notify the health authorities right away if any symptoms arise.
• In the last two months, the traveler has not tested positive for COVID-19.
• According to the current regulations, the traveler is qualified to use an airplane.
• When necessary, the traveller will provide the airlines with his contact information, including his mobile number.
• The traveler is aware that he could face penalties if he attempts the trip while not completing the requirements.
• The traveler agrees to follow the destination state's or UT's health protocol.