No Need To Keep Window Shades Down At The Time Of Take Off: DGCA Updates Guidelines; Photography Prohibited

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has updated its guidelines for airlines operating at Indian Air Force Joint User Airports (JUAs). Airlines are no longer required to keep window shades down during takeoff and landing. However, passengers are still prohibited from taking photos or videos, both in the air and on the ground, at these airports.

DGCA's Advisory Details

On Saturday, the DGCA reiterated that the ban on aerial and ground photography remains in effect for all aircraft operations at IAF JUAs. "Advisories to Air operators on the prohibition of aerial and ground photography and the lowering of window shades were issued as per instructions from the IAF to enhance operational safety at Joint User Airports (JUAs)," DGCA stated.

Revised Instructions from DGCA

The DGCA further clarified that while lowering window shades is no longer necessary, the restriction on photography continues. This change follows revised instructions received by the regulatory body. The advisory aims to maintain operational safety without compromising security protocols at these sensitive locations.

Background on Window Shade Directive

In May, a directive was issued by the DGCA requiring commercial airlines to keep window shades closed during takeoff and landing at defence airfields. This was especially enforced near India's western border. The rule was part of a security measure following recent tensions along the border with Pakistan.

The regulation mandated that shades remain down until aircraft reached 10,000 feet after takeoff and again when descending to that altitude before landing. An exception allowed emergency exit rows to have open shades. This directive targeted joint-use airports serving both civilian and military operations.

Security Measures and Photography Ban

The primary goal of these regulations was to prevent any unintended capture of sensitive military activities or infrastructure. Airlines were also instructed to inform passengers about the photography ban during their transit through military bases. These measures were deemed necessary due to heightened security concerns in border areas.