Domestic flight operations from May 25; AAI issues SOP for airports and passengers

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Thursday issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to all its airports for the recommencement of domestic commercial flight operations from May 25. As per the SOP, all the passengers must compulsorily be registered with the Aarogya Setu app on their phones. The AAI also stated that "It shall be verified by the Central Industrial Security Force/Airport staff at the entry gate. However, the Aarogya Setu app is not mandatory for children below the age of 14 years." In SOP to its airports, AAI stated that "Passenger seating arrangement shall be done in such a manner so as to maintain social distancing among the passengers using chairs by blocking those seats that are not to be used, with proper markers/tapes." Meanwhile, all the food and beverage (F&B) and retail outlets to be opened with COVID-19 precautions. The take-away to be encouraged to prevent crowding. AAI has asked its airports to promote digital payments, self-ordering booths at Food and Beverages and retails outlets. Also Read | Cyclone Amphan leaves behind trail of destruction in West Bengal; 12 killed On Wednesday, the Minister of Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri had stated that "Domestic civil aviation operations will recommence in a calibrated manner from May 25. All the airports and air carriers are being informed to be ready for operations from May 25." -PTC News