No mask could land flyers on no-fly list

No mask could land flyers on no-fly list | page 1
Failure to wear masks and follow all other Covid protocols on aircraft could land air travelers on the no-fly list and fines for defying the norms. The DGCA reiterated the pandemic-time rules for flyers following a Delhi HC judge who saw poor compliance with the same.
De-board those who refuse to wear mask inside plane: DGCA | page 5
New Delhi: Failure to wear masks and follow all other Covid protocols on aircraft could land air travelers on the no-fly list; and fines for defying the norms at airports.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday reiterated the pandemic-time rules for flyers following a Delhi high court judge witnessing poor compliance of the same on a recent domestic flight.
The HC had last Friday directed DGCA to issue binding directions to all aviation stakeholders for taking strict action against Covid norm violators - both fine and inclusion in the no-fly list for persistent defaulters - for effective deterrence.
Accordingly, the DGCA on Wednesday laid down protocol inside airports and aircraft "for strict compliance" by each separate aviation service provider.
Airlines have to ensure "all passengers wear face masks properly throughout the journey... masks can be removed under exceptional circumstances and for permitted reasons only." Airlines have to sensitize passengers on the norms via all available channels and make regular onboard announcements.
"In case any passenger does not adhere to above instructions even after repeated warnings, he/she should be de-boarded, if need be, before departure. In case any passenger on board an aircraft refuses to wear a mask or violates the Covid-19 protocol even after repeated warnings during the flight, such passenger may be treated as unruly," the rules issued by DGCA joint DG Maneesh Kumar stated. Action like putting the violators on the no-fly list will follow.
The rules for airports said that CISF should not allow anyone without a mask to enter the place.