Airtravellers not following Covid-19 protocol while travelling will be treated as'unruly passenger' and strict action would follow as per provisions of theaircraft rules, a new circular issued by Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) on Saturday said.
The new circular follows numerous complaints of laxity seen at airports bytravellers in following Covid-19 protocols laid to prevent transmission of thevirus and ensure safety in air travel.
The new circular states that in case a passenger does not wear masks properlyeven after repeated warnings, he/she could be deboarded before departure. Incase people not following Covid-appropriate behaviour or not wearing masksdespite repeated warnings is found while flying, such passenger would be treatedas "unruly" and action would be taken against them by the concernedairline.
DGCA has said that passengers should always, during their time on flights andinside the airport premises, wear masks and practise social distancing. Itadded that CISF or other police personnel will be deployed at the entrance toensure that no one is allowed to enter the Airport without wearing a mask.
The circular has further stated that the airport director or terminal managershould ensure that all passengers are wearing masks and following socialdistancing norms, failing which they would be either handed over to thesecurity agencies after proper warning for action as per law.
The strict adherence to Covid-19 protocol had been mentioned in the newcircular in wake of increase in number of cases of violations where passengersafter entering the airport as well as while on-board the aircraft are notwearing a mask or wearing it improperly.
The circular has said that the mask should not be moved "below the noseexcept under exceptional circumstances".