Flights to land at Silchar Airport from tomorrow; “We are well prepared,” says Airport Director, Pradip Kumar Gorai

Grounded for almost 2 months due to “Corona Pandemic” and subsequent national lockdown, domestic flights are all set to resume service from tomorrow after a nod from India’s Civil Aviation Ministry.

“In exercise of power conferred by Sub Section (I) of section 8B of the Aircraft act 1934 (22 of 1934), the central government hereby directs that domestic civil flight operation are permitted with effect from 25th May 2020 to a limited extent of their respective approval capacity of Summer Schedule 2020,” a Civil Aviation ministry order stated on 21st May. Also the earlier MHA order prohibiting operations of domestic passengers till 31st May, has been abridged to 2359 hrs of 24th May.

According to the DGCA’s (India’s Aviation watchdog) approved schedule from 25th May onwards, 2 airlines will be commencing flights from Silchar airport i.e. Air India and Spicejet. While Spicejet will be running 3 flights from Silchar, 2 in Kolkata route and 1 in Guwahati route, Air India will only provide service in the Silchar-Kolkata route that too biweekly.

Speaking with Barak Bulletin, Silchar Airport Director, Pradip Kumar Gorai said that they are materialising all possible methods to maintain physical distancing aspects and are fully prepared. “Even though there are some difficulties, we are well prepared. It will be fully contactless entry and movement in the check-in system,” Airport Director mentioned.

On asking how they will ensure the safety of airport and airline staff, the director said for this the airline companies have separate Standard of Procedure. “The moment passengers go out of Security Hold Area (SHA) and enter the aircraft it is under their purview. They have separate SOPs to deal with the passengers.”

“SWAB samples will be collected from all the passengers arriving at the airport, after which they will be allowed to board ASTC busses for being taken to quarantine centers arranged by the district administration. All the passengers coming for departure will be thermally screened and those not having Aarogya Setu app have to submit a Declaration form,” said Arnab Kumar Das, OSD to the Airport Director.

It can be mentioned here that the guidelines issued by the Ministry Of Civil Aviation for passengers inside Airport premises include passengers compulsorily walk through a thermal screening zone before entering the airport terminal building, downloading Aarogya Setu App, the mandatory wearing of masks and gloves, reporting at least 2 hrs early to flight departure, mandatory web check-in, less use of toilets, no meal service in flights, among others.