Following the closure of Pakistan’s airspace for Indian carriers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a set of advisory guidelines to airlines, focusing on ensuring smooth passenger handling amid operational disruptions.
The advisory, accessed by ANI, acknowledges the significant impact of the airspace closure, noting that international and regional flights have been rerouted, resulting in increased block times and potential technical halts for operational or fuel needs.
Key measures outlined in the advisory include:
- Airlines must inform passengers proactively about changes in flight routing, expected travel times, and the possibility of technical stops.
- Passengers should be clearly notified that such stops are operational and will generally remain onboard.
- Updated meal and beverage provisions should be made based on actual flight durations, and special meals must be provided according to passenger requests.
- Medical kits and first-aid resources must be sufficient for extended operations, with alternate airports being equipped with emergency medical and ambulance services.
- Airlines are urged to coordinate internally to manage delays, missed connections, and provide necessary assistance to passengers, including compensation if delays exceed specified thresholds.
The DGCA’s guidelines emphasize transparency, passenger welfare, and seamless coordination across airline departments to handle the operational challenges brought about by the airspace restrictions.
