Bengaluru: Air services commenced from the Kempegowda International Airport of the city today. The services resumed at 7.15 am. According to the authorities, 108 departures and 107 arrivals are scheduled on day 1. “It expected to go up once the lockdown norms are eased,” added authorities.It can be recalled that t after lock down, this airport was used only to bring Indians stuck in foreign countries back – There were no domestic air services for the last 2 months. Mysuru-Bengaluru air service will also start today evening.
Earlier on Friday, May 23rd, the Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, said domestic flight services will resume from Monday (May 25, 2020) as part of the Centre’s efforts to gradually open the air travel for the public that was halted two months ago on account of a lockdown imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Puri said, “There’s no contradiction between domestic flights beginning from May 25 and lockdown in India being imposed till May 31.” The minister further said that the government will try to start a good percentage of international passenger flights before August.
Ahead of the resumption of domestic flight operations, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has released a new Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for airports. They include the following:
-Passengers will have to reach the airport, two hours in advance
-Passengers should wear masks and gloves
-Only those whose flight is in the next four hours will be allowed to enter the terminal building
-Compulsory thermal screening for all passengers before entering the terminal building
– Avoiding the use of trolley which will be available to a select few passengers on a request basis
-Aarogya Setu app has been made mandatory except for children below 14 years of age
-Sanitization of passengers’ baggage by the airport authority before entry into the terminal building.
-Passengers will have to go through a thermal screening zone on the city side of the airport before entering into the terminal building.
-Mandatory social distancing at airports.
-Upgraded security procedures to ensure minimal contact between passengers and airport employees.
-Mandatory use of face masks by passengers as well as airport employees.
-Enhanced security and airport employees at check-in counters to assist passengers in maintaining social distancing norms.
-Constant announcements about social distancing and other norms
-Boarding and deplaning in batches to maintain social distance
-Blockade of seats between individuals by using proper markers and tapes to ensure social distancing between people sitting at the airport terminals.
-The use of alternate check-in counters has been prescribed by the AAI to avoid congestion.
-Mats, carpets soaked with bleach – sodium hypochlorite solution – to be placed at the entry for disinfection of shoes
-Every airline company will have its designated CUSS kiosk so that they can deploy their staff to help passengers.
-Proper provision of Personal Protective Equipment including face masks and sanitizers.
-Use of PPE wherever deemed necessary.
-Cleanliness and sanitization of ‘every nook and corner’ of the terminal buildings including washrooms, chairs, counters, X-ray machines, trolleys, travellators, escalators, lifts, railings, doors, etc.
-The use and supply of Newspapers and magazines at airports/lounges is restricted
AAI manages more than 100 airports across the country. However, major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are managed by private companies.
The AAI had earlier communicated to airport managers across the country to be prepared to handle flight operations as soon as they resume post lockdown.
