As per the new guidelines, passengers will have to reach to the airports two hours prior to the flight timing for the compulsory thermal screening.
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) On Thursday issued guidelines for the operations at the airport as the domestic flights resume from Monday, 2 months after it was closed due to Covid-19 outbreak. According to the new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for airports, the Aarogya Setu app is not mandatory for kids under the age of 14.
As per the new guidelines, passengers will have to reach to the airports two hours prior to the flight timing for the compulsory thermal screening of passengers before they enter the terminal. AAI said, “Passengers shall compulsorily walk through screening zone for thermal screening at a designated place in the city side before entering the terminal building.”
The SOP dated May 20 also said that airport operators should make appropriate arrangements for sanitization of a passenger’s baggage before they enter into the terminal building.
Major highlights of the SOP:
- Passengers will need to reach to the airport two hours before their flight.
- It is compulsory for passengers to wear make and gloves
- Only those who have a flight in the next 4 hours will be allowed to enter the terminal.
- Passengers to be thermally screened before entering the terminal building.
- Those who don’t show ‘green’ on Aarogya Setu will not be allowed to enter the terminal.
- Trolley use should be avoided. It will be provided to some passengers on a request basis.
- Baggage should be sanitized before entering the terminal.
- Mats soaked in bleach to be placed at the entrance for disinfecting the shoes.
- At passenger touchpoints, staff should either wear a face shield or put a glass wall at the counter.
- Constant announcements about social distancing and other norms to be followed.
- Boarding and deboarding in batches to maintain social distancing.
- All airport staff to wear PPEs and hand sanitizers for staff and passengers.
The AAI manages around 100 airports across the country, however, major airports such as Mumbai, Delhi are managed by private companies.
Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri on Wednesday announced that the domestic flights will resume from 25 May.
He said, “Domestic civil aviation operations will recommence in a calibrated manner from Monday 25th May 2020. All airports & air carriers are being informed to be ready for operations from 25th May. SOPs for passenger movements are also being separately issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.”
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