New Delhi: Indiaโs aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued an advisory to airlines, urging them to enhance passenger communication and in-flight services as international flights face longer travel times due to Pakistanโs airspace closure.
With Pakistan shutting its airspace to Indian carriers, flightsโparticularly those departing from northern cities like Delhiโare experiencing extended durations, requiring rerouting and potential technical stops. The DGCAโs guidelines emphasize improved passenger handling, covering key aspects such as:
โ Pre-flight communication โ Ensuring travelers are informed about possible delays and revised schedules.
โ In-flight services โ Adequate catering and comfort measures for prolonged journeys.
โ Medical and operational readiness โ Preparedness for emergencies and identifying alternate landing sites if needed.
โ Customer support โ Strengthening grievance redressal and assistance systems.
โ Internal coordination โ Seamless collaboration among airline departments to manage disruptions.
The advisory comes as airlines grapple with rerouted paths, increased flight times, and additional fuel stops, significantly impacting operations. The DGCA has stressed the need for proactive measures to minimize passenger inconvenience during this period.
