India’s air regulator has asked the country’s airlines to get tough with passengers refusing to wear masks on flights.
The wearing of masks is mandatory but rarely enforced.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) wants airlines to crack down and issue no-fly notices to those who defy the rules.
India aleady has a no-fly list mecahnism which is imposed on passengers deemed to be ‘unruly’ or causing an in-flight safety hazard.
"If the cabin crew or flight commander finds that an air passenger does not intentionally wear a face mask and poses a threat to other passengers, such `reckless` air passengers will be put on the no-fly list," a DGCA official said.
Passengers may only remove face coverings when eating or drinking.
DGCA Director-General Arun Kumar said the length of a flight ban would be dependent on an assessment made by the airline.
Airlines can now resume serving pre-packed snacks and meals on domestic flights, following an order issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Meal service was suspended when air travel resumed in late May after India’s national lockdown was eased.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Pacific editor
