New Delhi:
People found violating COVID-19 rules may be fined on the spot at airports, the country’s civil aviation regulator said today as part of the government’s efforts to increase surveillance at airports amid a surge in the virus cases in India.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA, said the compliance of Covid protocols is unsatisfactory at some airports. The regulator also urged airlines to ensure that rules, such as proper wearing of face masks and maintaining social distancing in airports, are followed at airports.
“The possibility of taking punitive action, such as levy of spot fines in accordance with the law, shall also be explored with the local police authorities so as to serve a deterrent for violation of COVID-19 protocol,” the DGCA said.
Last week, senior officials of the DGCA said 15 passengers, who were found violating COVID-19 norms on domestic flights of three airlines this month, may be banned for three months by the airlines.
It had earlier asked airlines to de-board passengers who do not wear their masks “properly” despite repeated warnings and take action against them as per its rules.
The regulator allows carriers to ban passengers (putting them on a no-fly list) for three to 24 months for not following the rules.