Govt allows meals on flights; flyers may be put on no-fly list for refusing to wear masks

The government has now permitted flight operators to serve meals and beverages on domestic flights and hot meals on international flights, as per an official order.

Additionally, any passenger who refuses to wear face mask during a flight can now be put on no-fly list by the airline, cited a senior official of Directorate Genral of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Since the coronavirus hit India, airlines were now allowed to serve any food or beverages on domestic flights since the services were resumed on May 25. Only pre-packed meals were allowed to be served on international flights since the resumption of airline services in May.

In an order issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry, it said “Airlines may serve pre-packed snacks/meals/pre-packed beverages on domestic flights depending on the duration of flight.”

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The order also mentioned that airlines and charter flight operator can now serve hot meals and limited beverages on international flights.

However, as per the order, only single-use disposable trays, cutlery and plates must be used while serving food and beverages on domestic and international flights.

“Crew shall wear a fresh set of gloves for every meal/beverage service,” the order stated.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has also allowed the use of in-flight entertainment system by the passengers on international and domestic flights. However, disposable earphones or cleaned and disinfected headphones must be provided to passengers at the start of the journey.

A senior official of DGCA also said, “A passenger who refuses to wear a face mask can be put on no-fly list by the airline.”

As per the new rules put down by the DGCA, an airline can put an unruly passenger who refuses to wear mask during flight on its no-fly list after internal deliberations.