RAWALPINDI: In light of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the country, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has tightened catering regulations aboard domestic flights.

Packaged water will now be available for passengers at their seats.

All airlines engaged in operation of domestic flights within Pakistan are to serve only packaged water that must be placed in the designated space at seats inside the aircraft, a statement issued by PCAA’s director air transport & economic regulations stated.

The fresh move by the authority is aimed at limiting interaction between crew/passengers onboard flights within Pakistan. Meals onboard domestic flights in Pakistan have also been prohibited.

PCAA had already issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for domestic flights to minimise risks associated with Covid-19.

Wearing of face masks by passengers throughout the duration of the flight has been made mandatory, which must also be ensured by the cabin crew.

Each aircraft zone will be photographed and the pictures will be submitted to the section concerned of the PCAA, the notification stated, adding captain of the aircraft will make an announcement regarding mandatory Covid-19 precautionary measures to be adopted during flight.

According to SOPs no protocol, meet and greet is allowed at domestic arrival which shall be ensured by airport management (APM) and airport security force (ASF).

Drivers who are usually gathered at domestic arrival lounge will have to wait inside their vehicles in the parking lot, the statement added.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2021