Passenger can be deboarded from aircraft for not wearing a mask

New Delhi: If a passenger does not comply with Covid-19 protocols and refuses to wear a mask despite repeated warnings, such a passenger can be treated as an “unruly passenger” and can be de-boarded, if need be, before departure, the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation has told all airlines. The latest order by the DGCA comes after the Delhi High Court order with regard to strict compliance of Covid-19 protocols inside airports and in aircraft. While observing that the Covid-19 pandemic has not abated and keeps springing up its ugly head now and then, the Delhi high court on Friday underlined the importance of enforcing and following Covid-appropriate behaviour, especially in enclosed spaces like aircraft. The high court called for strict action against those found violating the mask and hand hygiene norms at airports and in aircraft. “The DGCA should issue separate binding directions to all airlines to authorize the staff at airports and in aircraft, including flight persons, captains/pilots, air hostesses and others to take strict action against passengers and others who violate masking and hand hygiene norms.