DGCA issues directive to airlines amid airspace restrictions
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The key measures include, transparent communication, revised inflight services, medical preparedness, customer support, and operational coordination.
Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all airline operators to implement enhanced passenger handling measures with immediate effect, following recent international airspace closures and overflight restrictions. Several flight routes have been significantly altered, leading to extended flight durations and the possibility of technical stops.
According to DGCA, these measures are essential to ensure continues comfort, safety, and regulatory compliance amid evolving operational constraints.
The measures include, passengers must be proactively informed about route changes, extended travel times, and any technical halts during their journey. This communication should occur at check-in, boarding, and via digital alerts; Airlines must revise catering based on the actual block time, ensuring adequate food, hydration, and special meal availability throughout the flight, including any technical stopovers; Carriers must ensure onboard medical supplies are sufficient and verify the availability of emergency services at potential technical halt airports; Call centres and customer service teams must be ready to handle delays, missed connections, and provide assistance or compensation as required by applicable regulations; and Seamless coordination is essential among flight operations, customer service, ground handling, inflight services, and medical partners.
All airlines have been asked to treat this directive as mandatory. Failure to comply may attract regulatory action under the applicable Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). This directive will remain in force until further notice.