Flyers may be deboarded, declared ‘unruly’ for violating Covid norms: DGCA – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Airlines may deboarded or declare a passenger ‘unruly’ for violation of Covid-appropriate behaviour, including refusal to wear mask.
In a sternly worded order, the DGCA has reminded airlines and airport authorities about the need for strict adherence to Covid protocols.
This comes amid a spurt in Covid cases in some parts of the country.
Here are the main points in DGCA’s Wednesday’s order-
For airlines
* Ensure that passengers keep mask on throughut the journey
* Sensitize passengers on Covid-appropriate behaviour through websites, travel agents, call-centres and displays at airports
* Make regular announcements to raise awareness about wearing mask, hand hygiene, etc during the journey
* Arrange for extra mask when needed
* Disallow boarding to a passenger for refusing to wear mask or violate Covid protocols
* Declare a passneger ‘unruly’ for violation of Covid protocols in-flight
For airports
* Security personnel to only allow passengers wearing mask inside airport premises
* Make regular announcements regarding Covid-appropriate behaviour
* Penalise a passenger for not wearing mask or hand him/her over to security agemcies for further action
* Make sufficient arrangemen for hand-sanitisers, dispensers
Daily fresh cases in the country has seen an uptick in the last few weeks after a sharp and steadly fall since the beginning of the year. Major hubs like Mumbai, and some southern states like Kerala are leading the latest surge in numbers.