Non compliance of mask rule in aircrafts may result in de-boarding

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued new Covid 19 rules and guidelines on Wednesday for airports and aircraft, mandating masks throughout the journey and allowing the mask to be removed only in exceptional circumstances. The aviation regulator also said that the offenders could be treated as 'unruly passengers' as per the Delhi High Court order.

Those violating these rules can also be put on a 'no fly list'. CISF officials would be responsible for enforcing the mask guidelines at airports.

Passengers who repeatedly refuse to comply with the wearing mask order and fail to follow Covid protocol will be de-boarded or treated as 'unruly', according to the order. Violators at airports will be fined and handed over to security agencies, according to the Indian Express.

"It is necessary for respondents to ensure implementation of norms on ground. For this purpose, DGCA should issue separate binding guidelines authorising staff at airports, flights, captains, pilots etc to take strict action against passengers and others for violating masking and hand-hygiene norms. Such persons should be booked and fined and placed in no-fly list. Let a report on action taken in this regard be placed on record, sometime in July" the order stated.

This order comes after an increase in the number of Covid cases in the country.