New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday issued an advisory to airlines on providing proper communication and in-flight catering services to passengers as international flights are having longer flying time due to the Pakistan airspace closure.
Pakistan has closed its airspace for Indian airlines, resulting in longer flying hours for their international flights, especially those flying out from north Indian cities, including Delhi.
The aviation watchdog has issued the advisory on passenger handling measures in view of airspace restrictions resulting in extended flight durations and technical stops.
The advisory centres on five crucial areas: pre-flight passenger communication; in-flight catering and comfort; medical preparedness and alternate aerodromes; customer service and support readiness; and intra-departmental coordination.
The DGCA stated that recent international airspace closures and overflight restrictions have impacted airline operations.
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There are significant rerouting of international and regional flights, increased block times compared to scheduled durations, and the possibility of technical halts en route for operational or fuel requirements.
