Airlines Allowed to Serve Meals On Board, In-Flight Entertainment Permitted

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has changed the standard operating procedure (SOP) for domestic and international flights and allowed Indian airlines to serve meals on board.

As per the new SOPs, MoCA allowed Indian airlines to serve pre-packed meals, snacks, and beverages on domestic flights. While, In the case of international flights, airlines can serve hot meals with limited beverages as per the standard practices.

The ministry has also permitted in-flight entertainment on both domestic and international flights as per the existing regulations.

Also, the government has asked airlines to use disposable plates, cutlery, and set-up plates with no re-use. Tea, coffee, and other beverages would also be served in disposable glasses, bottles, cans, and containers. Beverages would not be poured for the passengers and would, instead, be served in single-use disposable units.

Additionally, the crew will have to wear a fresh set of gloves after every meal and beverage serve.

For in-flight entertainment on both domestic and international flights government has asked airlines to ensure that disposable earphones are used or are cleaned and disinfected before boarding of passengers.

Airlines must also clean and disinfect all touchpoints after every flight, as per the SOP.

India has banned the meal and beverage service and in-flight entertainment when flights resumed in the domestic segment from May 25 and for international flights under Vande Bharat Mission since May 7.

India had suspended domestic flights from March 25 and international flights from March 23 in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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