Amid the fears of rising COVID cases, the Civil Aviation Ministry has banned in-flight meals for journeys less than two hours. To eat the food, the passengers need to open their face masks, and this can increase the chances of virus spread. Thus, the aviation ministry has come to the decision to prohibit meal serving in short-distance flights. For longer journeys, flights need to use disposable cutlery and equipment. Also, they need to serve meals in a staggered manner ‘among the adjacent seats as far as possible.’
In case of a flight with flight duration of more than two hours, tray set-up, plates and cutlery will be completely disposable with no re-use, or cleaned and disinfected rotables will be used. #Unite2FightCorona
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) April 12, 2021
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Used Rotables Will Be Thoroughly Cleaned And Disinfected
Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, has stated that no meals will be served aboard domestic flights with a flight duration lesser than two hours. For long-haul flights, meals will be served only in disposable cutlery. The ministry stated, “In case of a flight with flight duration of more than two hours, tray set-up, plates and cutlery will be completely disposable with no re-use, or cleaned and disinfected rotables will be used.” It also stated, “Used disposable trays crockeries/ cutleries shall not be re-used. Used rotables shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before re-use.” Civil Aviation Ministry Asks Airlines To Grant Refunds For Cancelled Flights Of 2020
The passengers would be informed of the above practices for strict compliance before the start of catering services by way of passenger announcements.
The servicing of inflight meals is to be staggered among the adjacent seats as far as possible— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) April 12, 2021
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Airlines Will Inform Flyers About The Guidelines Before Starting Catering Services In Long Haul Fights
“In all classes, tea/coffee/alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage services will be in disposable cans containers/ bottles/glasses. There will be no pouring service and beverages will be served in single-use disposable units.” stated the ministry. It added, “The passengers would be informed of the above practices for strict compliance before the start of catering services by way of passenger announcements. The servicing of inflight meals is to be staggered among the adjacent seats as far as possible.” Meanwhile, India has added Sri Lanka to the list of countries with which it had air bubble arrangements. Currently, India has air bubble arrangements with 28 countries.