The government has revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for domestic and international travel, allowing airlines to serve pre-packed meals, beverages onboard domestic flights. On international flights, carriers can now serve hot meals and alcohol.
In-flight entertainment will also be allowed.
The crew, however, will have to wear a fresh set of gloves after serving each meal and beverage to the passengers, a note from Usha Padhee, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, said.
Moneycontrol has seen a copy of the note that was issued on August 27.
Till now, airlines on domestic routes were not allowed to provide any refreshments. For international services, carriers were only permitted 'minimum catering,' with pre-packaged food placed on seats before boarding.
Following are the new set of SOPs issued by the government.
For domestic flights
Till now: No meal services. Water bottle made available in the gallery area or on the seats. Passengers not allowed to consume any food, except on health grounds.
New SOP: Airlines can serve pre-packed snacks/meals/beverages as per their policy and according to flight duration.
In all classes, tray set-up, plates and cutlery will be disposable. Beverages to be served in disposable containers. No pouring service.
The crew shall wear a fresh set of gloves for every meal/beverage service.
In-flight entertainment can be used in whichever airline that allows it. All IFEs to be cleaned and disinfected prior to boarding. Disposable earphones or cleaned and disinfected headphones will be provided.
For international flights
Till now: No, or minimum catering depending on flight duration. No tea or coffee. Pre-packaged food to be placed on seats before boarding.
New SOP: Airlines, private aircraft and charter flight operators can now serve hot meals and limited beverages.
In all classes, tray set-up, plates and cutlery will be disposable. Beverages, including alcoholic, to be served in disposable containers. No pouring service.
The crew shall wear a fresh set of gloves for every meal/beverage service.
In-flight entertainment can be used in whichever airline that allows it. All IFEs to be cleaned and disinfected prior to boarding. Disposable earphones or cleaned and disinfected headphones will be provided.
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