Government Allows Charter Flights to Fly in Indian Skies

Government of India has allowed private jets and charter flights to fly on domestic routes. As the Indian Aviation Industry was banned to stop the spread of Covid-19, the government lifted the ban and allowed domestic operations from May 25, 2020. A day after, the government also allowed non-scheduled and private operators to fly on domestic routes. However, passengers are flying in skies have to take care of all the safety measures to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey. The Ministry has issued some special guidelines for non-schedule operator permit (NSOP or Charter) and private jet operations. Here are all the special guidelines which the passengers must know before boarding private jets and charter flights.  

No Onboard Meals to be Served

The Ministry has directed all the non-schedule operator permit (NSOP or Charter) and private jet operators to not provide onboard meals to passengers inside the aircraft. However, meals can be provided to passengers who need them on medical grounds. Also, all cabin crew staff must be equipped with all the protective equipment, and physical interactions must be minimised between passengers and cabin staff. Passengers will also have to wear a surgical mask during the entire journey and take all the precautionary measures.

Passengers Will be Thermal Screened at Airport

All the passengers who will board in private jets and charter flights will have to report at least 45 minutes before the departure of the aircraft. Also, airfares set for schedule airlines will not be applicable to charter operators. Once the passengers have arrived at the airport, they will have to proceed towards thermal screening. Not only this, but the airport staff will also check the status of the Aarogya Setu app. In case if the status shows red, passengers will not be allowed to board the aircraft. In case if the passengers don’t have Aarogya Setu app installed in their devices, they will be taken to a counter where they can download the app and show their status to the airport staff. The Ministry also directed that airlines must furnish the passengers manifest of each flight in the mentioned format to states. Operators can also create a web portal to provide all the necessary information to the states.