Domestic flight operations are set to resume from Monday, 25 May, with special arrangements for passenger safety and security. The Delhi International Airport is fully geared up to resume operations after almost two months of complete shutdown due to the coronavirus outbreak. However, all flights will operate from Terminal 3. A senior official said that some 380 flights, both arrivals and departures, are expected to operate on Monday.
With the Central government deciding to resume domestic flights, airport authorities across the country are taking several precautionary measures. The Daily Guardian visited the terminal to observe how the airport experience is set to change. It will be mandatory for a passenger to either download Aarogya Setu application or fill up a self-declaration form that will be available at the airport.
Only those who are marked “safe” on the app will be allowed to travel. Passengers can either download and print baggage tags at home to attach them to their luggage, or can collect them from a kiosk at the airport; only one handbag and one check-in bag will be allowed per passenger. Passengers should reach the airport two hours before scheduled departure.
Thermal screening of passengers before entering the airport has been made mandatory to check the spread of the virus and to avoid close contact. Passengers will be encouraged to do web checkin or use self-check-in at the airport. Social distance markings have been made in different areas of the airport for passengers to follow. Also, touch-less hand-sanitisers have been placed with baggage disinfection by ultraviolet light disinfection tunnel.
Washrooms will be closed after every hour to sanitise surfaces through both UV tower and regular cleaning. Systems have also been placed to replace the air inside the terminal every 10 minutes. Physical security checks and stamping of boarding pass have been done away with to minimise contact. “Delhi Airport is all set to open for commercial flight operations after two-month shutdown. We would like to assure passengers that at Delhi Airport, they would be in a safe and healthy environment. We have implemented several unique initiatives to ensure passengers’ safety without compromising their comfort and experience.
Our teams have worked round-theclock to sanitise the vast terminal to provide hygienic conditions. DIAL will continue its awareness drive by educating and encouraging passengers to maintain social distancing while at the airport,” said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO, DIAL. The decision on allowing international flights will be taken once the authorities observe the resumption of domestic operations.
