New Delhi, April 26 (H.S): The central government has mandated airlines to adopt enhanced passenger handling measures following airspace restrictions. This directive, effective immediately and ongoing until further notice, aims to ensure passenger safety, convenience, and compliance with regulations. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued this guidance after Pakistan shut its airspace, highlighting the need to prioritize passenger comfort amid altered flight routes and longer travel times.

Key measures include:

Transparent Communication: Airlines must keep passengers informed about route changes, extended travel times, and potential technical disruptions throughout their journey via check-in, boarding, and digital alerts.

Improved In-Flight Services: Catering adjustments must be made based on actual flight durations to ensure adequate nourishment and special meals, particularly during technical stopovers.

Medical Preparedness: Air carriers should stock sufficient medical supplies and confirm emergency service availability at affected airports.

Customer Support Preparation: Call centers and customer service must be equipped to manage delays and missed connections and offer assistance or compensation as required.

Operational Coordination: Effective cooperation among flight operations, customer service, ground handling, and medical partners is essential.

Non-compliance may result in regulatory actions under civil aviation regulations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar