Government Urges Airlines to Prioritize Passenger Safety as Pakistan Closes Airspace
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Synopsis
The DGCA has mandated immediate enhancements in passenger handling by airlines to ensure comfort and safety due to recent airspace closures, particularly affecting flights from India. This is a response to increased travel times and potential technical stops.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate implementation of enhanced passenger handling measures is required.
- Airlines must proactively inform passengers about route changes.
- Catering must be adjusted based on actual flight times.
- Medical supplies and emergency services availability are crucial.
- Coordination among various airline departments is essential.
New Delhi, April 26 (NationPress) In a bid to maintain passenger comfort, safety, and adherence to regulations, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a directive on Saturday mandating all airline operators to enhance their passenger handling practices immediately.
Due to recent international airspace closures and restrictions on overflights, numerous flight paths have been significantly modified, which may lead to longer travel durations and potential technical stops.
The DGCA advisory emphasizes the necessity for airlines to inform passengers proactively about any changes in routes, prolonged travel times, and possible technical layovers during their flights.
This information should be communicated during check-in, boarding, and through digital notifications.
“Airlines must adjust catering services based on the actual flight duration, ensuring sufficient food and hydration, as well as the availability of special meal options throughout the journey, including during any technical stops,” the advisory stated.
Additionally, carriers are required to ensure that onboard medical supplies are adequate and to confirm the availability of emergency services at potential technical stop airports.
As per the aviation authority, customer service teams and call centers should be prepared to manage delays, missed connections, and to provide necessary support or compensation in accordance with relevant regulations.
Effective coordination is crucial among flight operations, customer service, ground handling, inflight services, and medical partners.
“All airlines must regard this directive as obligatory. Non-compliance may lead to regulatory action under the applicable Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). This directive is effective immediately and will remain until further notice,” the regulator indicated.
Indian airlines have announced that their international flights will now follow an alternative, extended route after Pakistan closed its airspace to India amid escalating diplomatic tensions following the Islamabad-sponsored terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Airlines operating from northern Indian airports, including Delhi, Lucknow, and Amritsar, will now need to reroute to Gujarat or Maharashtra before heading towards Europe, North America, or West Asia. Consequently, the duration of some flights to the US and Europe operated by Indian airlines could increase by approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
