The aviation regulatory body has announced detailed guidelines to its airports for managing operations once the lockdown is lifted in India.
Airports Authority of India (AAI), which manages over 100 airports in the country has stated that they should prepare to handle only 30 per cent of the normal flight schedule, in the first phase of operations, after restrictions are eased.
Previously, Business Traveller India reported on the privately owned-airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad announcing post-lockdown measures.
According to the AAI guidelines shared with Press Trust of India, “Initially, it is presumed that airline operations will be limited to Tier I cities i.e. metros and some of the state capitals and major Tier II cities.”
The set guidelines also mentioned, to begin with, Indian airports operating multiple terminals will have to operate with only one terminal.
Different parking stands and baggage belts will be allocated for aircraft arriving from Covid-19 hotspots.
Strict social distancing norms should be followed by all airports. The seating arrangement of passengers should be done to maintain 1-1.5 metre distance between them.
Moreover, “A dedicated triage area/ isolation area needs to be set up along with primary medical facilities at both arriving and departing terminals for confirmed or suspected Covid-19 patients.”
Designated help desk related to health declaration forms should be set up at the airports.
In a phased manner, retail and food outlets will also stay open. AAI stated, “Limited food and beverages and retail outlets to be made available to the passengers until operations of airlines gradually increase. Initially, they should serve tea or coffee with takeaway snacks in a box.”
Alcoholic beverages will be only served at bars and restaurants in airports with permission from the state administration. aai.aero
