Corona update: Passengers, Crew Members In Flights Test Covid-19 Positive; concern clouds over the safety norms

INDIA: With the commencement of domestic flight services in the country from Monday, four travelers in three different flights have tested positive for Covid-19 so far, raising major concerns over the safety norms at airports.

One passenger of IndiGo Chennai to Coimbatore domestic flight, one member of security staff in Air India’s Delhi to Ludhiana flight and two crew members of Air India’s Toronto to Delhi flight( Indian stranded abroad) have tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement on Tuesday, IndiGo said that a passenger who travelled on 6E 381 from Chennai to Coimbatore on May 25 evening has tested positive for COVID-19.

” We received confirmation from the Coimbatore airport doctor that a passenger who travelled on 6E 381 from Chennai to Coimbatore on 25th May evening, has tested positive for COVID-19 “

Indigo (Statement)

All passengers and crew members have been quarantined due to one person found coronavirus positive in Air India’s Delhi-Ludhiana flight. Everyone who were traveling in the concern flight has been advised to be quarantined for 14 days.

The incident of Covid-19 patients undertaking air travel in domestic flights, has led to serious concerns, not only over the implementation of safety norms by airports, but on the entire decision of resuming flight operations, at a time Covid-19 cases are on a spike.

Earlier, Union Minister Harshdeep puri has announced that the recommencement of domestic flight operation from May 25. Alongside, he had informed that the standard operation flight procedures would also be followed.

In view of coronavirus, Air flights, Domestic and International flights had been suspended from 25th March. Currently, all commercial flights are suspended except for cargo and repatriation flights conducted by Air India to bring back stranded Indians abroad.