While the aviation industry in India is preparing to resume its operations from May 25, IndiGo airlines also released a press statement
addressing to all IndiGo travelers. The airline, through its note, has reassured the passengers of the measures being taken to ensure safety, how passengers must prepare for flight travel and some personal safety
measures. The airline writes that the company is making all possible efforts to protect the health of the customers and employees. The airline is aiming at ensuring a hassle-free journey through the airport with minimal interaction between people and with the highest level of hygiene.
The budget carrier, IndiGo, will also be operating 97 repatriation flights between Kerala and four countries in Middle East to bring back the stranded Indians amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
The airline has been granted nearly half of the total repatriation flights assigned to the private carriers.
“Adhering to all precautionary measures, the flights will be operated between Kerala and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Doha, Kuwait and Muscat,” the airline said in a press release.
The key pointers of the note addressed to the passengers are:
“Below are some of things we are doing to ensure your safety:
- We are ensuring that social distancing is maintained at all points – airport entry, baggage drop counters, security checks, boarding gates, coaches, ramp and baggage claim.
- All common surfaces such as the baggage drop counters, boarding gates, coaches, ramps, wheelchairs, crew vehicles and of course, the aircraft itself, will be thoroughly disinfected using approved cleaning agents.
- The tray tables, armrests, overhead nozzles, lavatories and galleys will receive special attention, given the frequency of contact.
- We will disinfect the aircraft before every flight. In addition, we will also follow a periodic fumigation of the aircraft.
- Before entering the airport or before boarding the aircraft, the body temperature of every passenger will be checked using non-contact thermal screening devices.
- Electronic receipt (SMS) of the checked-in baggage will be sent to customers.
- We will be handing over a safety kit to you at the boarding gate to make sure you are covered.
- Our ground staff and crew members (cockpit and cabin) will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for their roles.
- We will be stopping our inflight meal services to minimize your contact with the crew. Though, we will be serving water on demand
We also encourage you to follow a few additional steps to ensure your own safety and the safety of others:
- Download the Aarogya Setu App on your phone for you to be able to fly. Passengers with ‘red’ status will not be allowed to travel.
- Advance web check-in on our website or app is a must. During the web check-in, you are also required to fill in an online health declaration before being issued the online boarding pass. You are also requested to print your boarding pass.
- You’ll also be required to check-in your baggage online (20 kg, 1 piece only) Please print your baggage tag and ensure to affix the same at a prominent place on the bag. Carry only a small hand bag/ laptop bag, that fits under the seat in front.
- Excess baggage, wheelchair assistance or any other add-on services must be pre-booked online.
- Reach the airport at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure. The baggage drop counters will now close 1 hour before your flight time.
- Wear your mask and gloves at all times and keep a sanitizer handy.
- Please scan your boarding pass yourself at the boarding gate.
- Practice social distancing at all times.
- Most importantly, use airport rest rooms and have food/water at the airports as much as possible to minimize movement inside the aircraft. You will not be allowed to consume any food inside the aircraft.
- Don’t forget that should you use the lavatory; you must wash your hands for 20 seconds. These 20 seconds of your life will be worth the investment”.