DGCA directs airlines to implement passenger handling measures amid airspace restrictions
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation on 26 April 2025 directed all airlines to implement enhanced passenger handling measures as international airspace closures and overflight restrictions lengthen flight routes.
Summary
In light of recent international airspace closures and overflight restrictions that have altered routes, extended flight durations and may require technical stops, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on 26 April 2025 directed all airline operators to implement enhanced passenger handling measures with immediate effect. These include informing passengers proactively of route changes and technical halts, revising catering based on actual block time, ensuring adequate onboard medical supplies and emergency services at potential technical-halt airports, preparing customer support for delays and missed connections, and coordinating operations. The directive is mandatory, effective immediately and in force until further notice; non-compliance may attract action under the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).
Key facts
- Issued by
- DGCA, 26 April 2025
- Context
- International airspace closures and overflight restrictions
- Measures
- Passenger communication; catering by actual block time; medical readiness; customer support; coordination
- Status
- Mandatory, until further notice; action under CAR for non-compliance
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Consider the following about the DGCA directive to airlines of 26 April 2025: 1. It is mandatory, and non-compliance may attract action under the Civil Aviation Requirements. 2. It is valid for 30 days only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The directive is effective immediately and remains in force until further notice.
Consider the following about the DGCA's passenger handling directive of 26 April 2025: 1. Airlines must revise catering based on the scheduled (not actual) block time. 2. The directive applies only to international carriers of foreign origin. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. Catering is to be revised based on the actual block time, and the directive applies to all airline operators.