ISLAMABAD: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Thursday issued new SOPs for domestic and international flights effective from August 20 to August 31.
The CAA director air transport issued notification of new SOPs which will apply equally to all chartered flights, including private jets.
All the operational airport managers of the country are responsible for the implementation of the new SOPs in aircraft. The aircraft will be disinfected in accordance with the procedures prescribed by PCAA at each station before passenger boarding and disinfection standard shall also be mandatory prior to embarkation from a foreign airport for flight to Pakistan.
Air hostesses will be required to wear PPE kits, surgical masks and gloves and airport managers will be required to provide a complete list of passengers before departure, as per the new SOPs.
Before boarding the plane, health officials will also test and interview passengers and it will be the responsibility of the concerned airlines to get the passengers of international flights to fill up the health declaration form.
A seat will be left vacant between passengers to implement rules of physical distancing and all passengers are required to wear surgical masks throughout the ‘ duration of flights except during meal timings. The masks shall be provided by the airline at check in counter of the airport if the passengers do not have their own.
Passengers are to occupy only the seats allocated to them and not change the seats in any case. They are also not allowed to congregate in the aircraft during the course of air travel.
All cockpit and cabin crew will wear surgical masks throughout the duration of flight without compromising on safety.
Before landing, the Captain of the aircraft will confirm to the concerned Air Traffic Controller that International Passenger Health Declaration Form has been filled by all.
The International Passenger Health Declaration form will be disseminated to all potential travellers to Pakistan before boarding the flight. Completion of International Passenger Health Declaration Form by passengers / guardians (in case of infants / disabled) shall be the operator’s responsibility. The Form will be filled and signed before boarding the flight.
The Passenger Health Declaration form will be collected from each passenger by Health staff in the arrival lounge.
All passengers after thermal scanning & interview, if cleared by Health Authorities shall be advised to proceed to their homes and to remain in self-isolation for a period of at least 14 days.
In case any of raised temperature or any other symptoms, the decision regarding quarantine requirement for any individual passenger and crew shall be made by health professionals at the airports.
No meet and greet shall be allowed at the airport. Drivers shall stay inside the vehicle in the parking lot.
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