CAA bans protocols at airports till August 31 amid COVID-19

KARACHI: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for domestic, chartered and private flights to limit the spread of COVID-19.

According to a notification on Wednesday, the SOPs that came into immediate effect on July 1 will be implemented until August 31. “The decision is aimed at providing a secure environment to the passengers and minimizes the risk”, the CAA said.

The authorities appealed the citizens to avoid unnecessary visits to the airports as it could become a source of virus spread.

As per the new guidelines: All passengers are required to wear surgical masks throughout the flight and will occupy seats allocated to them.

Passengers will be scanned through thermal devices for fever before boarding. All passengers or crew members with raised body temperature shall be examined by a health professional who will decide whether to allow them to board the flight or not.

No person, except passengers and airport staff, shall be allowed to go beyond the parking area. Passengers shall be dropped by drivers at the entrance of the domestic departures.

A domestic passenger health declaration form will be given to all travelers and flight crew to fill out necessary health and travel details before boarding. No protocol will be allowed at airports.

Airport managers shall ensure people practice social distancing at every stage of the departure formalities. Any passengers having COVID-19 symptoms will inform the cabin crew while those displaying symptoms will be isolated.

Earlier, in a bid to curb the spread of the COVID-19, the CAA banned the entry of visitors coming along with the passengers at the country’s airports.