AAI issues SOP for domestic flights’ resumption; Aarogya Setu not mandatory for children below 14  

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) to airport operators on Wednesday for recommencement of domestic flights from May 25 onwards, saying Aarogya Setu app is not mandatory for children below 14 years of age.

“For domestic flights, only passengers with web check-in allowed, only one check-in bag, flight crew in full protective suits.”

"Passengers shall compulsorily walk through screening zone for thermal screening at a designated place in the city side before entering the terminal building," the AAI said in its SOP, which has been accessed by PTI.

Airport operators must make appropriate arrangements for sanitisation of a passenger's baggage before his or her entry into the terminal building, said the SOP dated May 20.

The AAI manages more than 100 airports across the country. However, major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad are managed by private companies.

Civil Aviation Minister had announced on Wednesday that domestic flight services would resume from May 25 onwards in a calibrated manner.

Here are the standard operating procedure to be followed at airports:

• Passengers have to be thermal screened and must have Aarogya Setu on their mobiles, except children below 14. If they don't show "green" or do not have the government contact tracing app, they will not be allowed in
• Passengers should reach the airport two hours before departure
• Passengers will be allowed into the terminal building if their flights are within four hours
• For domestic flights, only passengers with web check-in allowed, only one check-in bag, flight crew in full protective suits
• State governments and administrations have to ensure public transport and private taxis for passengers and airline crew
• Only personal vehicles or select cab services will be allowed to take passengers and staff to the airport or from it.
• All passengers have to wear masks and gloves
• For physical distancing in passenger seating areas, chairs to be taped off or marked
• All staff should have hand sanitisers and Personal Protective Equipment as directed by the home ministry
• Trolleys will not be allowed in the arrival or departure sections, except for special cases, for which they will be disinfected.
• Airport operators should make arrangements for sanitizing baggage before entry
• All entry gates of the terminal will be opened to avoid crowding
• Social distancing marks or stickers at a distance of at least a metre will be provided at the entry gates, screening zones and terminals.
• Mats or carpets soaked with bleach will be placed at the entrance to disinfect shoes
• Counters with Plexiglas or face shields for staff wherever there is interaction with passengers
• Newspapers or magazines will not be provided in the terminal buildings or lounges
• Employees with high fever, difficulty in breathing or cough will not be allowed entry into the airport
• When flights land, passengers will be allowed to leave the plane in batches, sequentially