DGCA guidelines over handling of unruly passengers

nNEW DELHI: Aviation regulator, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday issued a circular for airlines to be followed by cabin crew in handling unruly passengers amid Covid19.

The circular noted the cabin crew should be made aware of new issues which may be encountered onboard including passengers refusing to wear masks. It also said the crew should be aware of an increase in disputes between passengers according to their ethnicity of country of residence and increased stress on passengers through airport processes and overall travel experience which may trigger exceptional response inflight to disputes or requests for compliance.

The DGCA also cautioned that the “impact of distancing and health screening may slow the passenger transit and increase the likelihood of missed connections.”

It also said that fear of infections may cause more disputes between passengers due to noncompliance or poor hygiene etiquette, or the presence of symptoms similar to those associated with Covid-19.

“The handling of on-board unruly passenger should include reiteration of the enforcement mechanism of the operator,” the DGCA said.

“Operator should develop inflight cabin crew training procedures to ensure passengers adhere to health and safety guidelines such as wearing mask/protective gear at all times on board and maintain high levels of hygiene.”