As the government allows the railways’ operations to resume, speculations are that soon air travel might too restart after 18th May’20. Amid the conditions of lockdown, the Indian Aviation industry hit rock-bottom in the past 8 weeks. As per the latest norms, civil aviation ministry is going through major suggestions received from departments of states and the central government to tackle the upcoming days.
Today, a new report suggested that the companies are already suggesting the online air travel agents prepare themselves for booking after May 18. Adding to the exclusive report, some travel executives have also confirmed the report and are building their work of plan from now itself.
Airports in Green Zones to Start And Operate?
On Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the country and shared the news that Lockdown 4.0 will be in force from May 18. He also stated the true facts related to every department in the country including the air travel department.
As for the aviation industry, PM Modi shared that it will be very different from the previous phases of lockdown in the past months.
He also dropped some hints that pointed towards the renewal of airline service in the green zones. These zones are such which have failed to report any new COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days.
Adding to PM Modi’s speech, the central government and the AAI (Airport Authority of India) could start the work anytime they are allowed.
Last week, the major aviation departments including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, AAI, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security Office, Central Industrial Security Force, and the Delhi International Airport Limited, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation visited Delhi airport and shortlisted major outlines of their plan for the Lockdown 4.0.
Changes In Regulations for Air Travel
Some of the new applicable changes in rules during a flight are discussed down below.
- Individuals of 80 years of age and above are to be restricted from flying in Phase I of flight resumption.
- A “No Cabin Baggage Policy” in the initial phase has also been proposed. Adding to the policy, the permissible check-in baggage is to be one piece whose weight should be less than 20 kg.
- The mandatory passenger ID check at the entrance of the airport is to be removed. This is to remove any rush at the entry point and provide a more clear walking path to the passengers.
- Passengers who have green status on their Aarogya Setu app are to be allowed to travel. Any passenger or staff member with any symptom is to be restricted to enter the airport terminal building.
- Checking and frisking are suggested to be minimized and should be carried out only if Door Frame Metal Detector (DFMD) on the entrance and onboarding beeps.
- Stamping of boarding passes by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officer has been suggested to be stopped till further information comes.
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