Govt’s New Rule Removes Passengers From Aircrafts If Not Wearing Masks Properly

Travelling on an aircraft without wearing masks properly or not following social distancing norms will bear major consequences on flyers. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a circular to all airports, airlines and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to treat passengers as “unruly” if they violate Covid-19 protocols despite repeated warnings during the course of the flight. From getting deboarded to delisted, the consequences are major, here’s what you need to know.

“Unruly Passengers” To Be Deboarded From Flights Or Put On No-Fly List

India is currently witnessing a resurgence of coronavirus cases. And during this challenging time, it’s all the more necessary or people to take abundant precautionary measures, like using hand sanitiser, maintaining social distancing and wearing face masks. More often not, especially in flight, passengers end up wearing masks on their chin and stubbornly refuse to follow the Covid-19 protocols in place. The High Court has issued strict guidelines whereby passengers who don’t wear masks properly or refuse to follow Covid-19 protocols dispute repeated warnings will be deboarded and even be put on a no-fly list.

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— DGCA (@DGCAIndia) March 13, 2021

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Masks Must Not Be Pulled Below Nose At Any Time During Air Travel

DGCA stated on the order dated March 13, “It has been noticed that some travellers undertaking air journey do not adhere to Covid-19 protocols, which essentially involves wearing of mask properly i.e. not below the nose, during all times of the journey from entering the airport for departure to exiting the airport after arrival. It has also been noted that some passengers after entering the airport do not wear mask properly and also do not maintain social distance while being in the airport premises”. DGCA further directed CISF or other police personnel at the airport entrance tp ensure that nobody is permitted to enter the airport premises without wearing a mask.

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The circular also states that if passengers don’t wear masks properly even after repeated warnings, then they will be deboarded before departure. The mask must not be pulled down below the nose, at any time unless it’s for exceptional circumstances. Meanwhile, if you miss travelling, then here are 5 ways to get vacation vibes at home.