DGCA Says airlines, Keep middle seats vacant to the extent possible

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday asked airlines to allot seats in flights in such a manner that middle seats are kept vacant to the extent possible.

However, if a flyer has been allotted the middle seat due to a high passenger load "then additional protective equipment like the wrap-around gown of the Ministry of Textile approved standards" must be provided to that passenger in addition to three-layered face mask and face shield, said the DGCA order.India continued its residential traveler departures from May 25 following a hole of two months due to the coronavirus-activated lockdown. Worldwide business traveler flights keep on staying



suspended in the nation. 

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has permitted local air benefits by non-planned and private administrators including fixed-wing, helicopters, and microlight airplane to continue from May 25.

The domestic flights were suspended in March due to lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. The country is in the fourth phase of lockdown which will continue till May 31.

Despite resumption of services, concerns remained. Occupancy of aircraft has remained around 50-55 per cent. While the domestic services have resumed in a calibrated manner, international air travel still remains suspended in the country.