Take strict action against mask violators: DGCA tells airlines as Covid cases rise

New Delhi, Aug 17: Aviation regulator DGCA on Wednesday asked airlines to ensure that passengers wear masks inside planes, aviation regulator DGCA said today in view of the rising number of Covid cases. In case a passenger does not comply with the directions, strict action will be taken by airlines against the passenger.

In a statement, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said it will be conducting "random checks" in aircraft across the country to see if the COVID-19 protocol is being enforced or not. Airlines have to ensure that passengers are wearing face masks properly throughout the journey and there is proper sensitisation of passengers through various platforms, it mentioned. "In case a passenger does not comply with the directions, strict action will be taken by airlines against the passenger," it added.

In view of the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, the airlines have been advised again on August 16 to strictly comply with COVID-19 protocol inside the aircraft, it mentioned.

India on Wednesday recorded 9,062 fresh COVID-19 infections that took its tally to 4,42,86,256, while the number of active cases came down to 1,05,058, according to Union Health Ministry data.