KARACHI: The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has implemented new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for international flights to minimize the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures, detailed in a recent directive, are designed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members during air travel to and from Pakistan.
According to the PCAA, all aircraft operations must fully comply with the new instructions regarding aircraft disinfection and protection measures for passengers and crew. Aircraft will be disinfected at each station before passenger boarding, and a disinfection certificate, verified by PCAA inspectors, will be logged in the aircraft documents. The captain must ensure full compliance with these disinfection protocols.
The PCAA mandates that an inventory of essential personal protective equipment (PPE) — including protection suits, gloves, surgical masks, goggles, and N-95 masks — be maintained on each aircraft. Additionally, an International Passenger Health Declaration form will be distributed to all travelers inbound to Pakistan via the PCAA website, social media, and airline websites. This form must be filled out and signed by passengers or their guardians before check-in.
Before boarding, passengers will undergo thermal scanning for COVID-19 symptoms, and boarding passes will be issued with a gap of at least one adjacent seat to maintain social distancing. All passengers and crew, including those on chartered flights, must board through the passenger terminal building, with no protocol allowed beyond the briefing area.
During Flight Procedures
Passengers are required to wear surgical masks throughout the flight, which will be provided at the check-in counter. They must occupy only their assigned seats and avoid moving around the cabin. The inflight temperature of each passenger will be checked every 90 minutes, and those displaying COVID-19 symptoms must immediately inform the cabin crew.
Cockpit and cabin crew will wear appropriate PPE, including surgical masks, throughout the flight. The cabin crew will also provide hand sanitizer to passengers at least twice during the flight, except during food and beverage service. For flights longer than 150 minutes, food and beverage service will be limited, and three aft rows will be kept vacant for isolating symptomatic passengers.
The Senior Purser or Lead Cabin Crew will take photographs of each aircraft zone showing passengers seated with masks and gloves. These images will be submitted to health staff at the destination airport. Cabin crew will also spray disinfectant in the lavatories every 60 minutes.
Before landing, the aircraft captain must confirm to air traffic control that all passengers have completed the International Passenger Health Declaration Form, which will be checked upon arrival.
Post-Disembarkation Procedures
Disembarkation will occur in an orderly, row-wise manner to maintain social distancing. The airline will provide a seat map and passenger manifest to PCAA and health staff. All luggage and cargo will be disinfected by the airline upon unloading, and airline staff will handle baggage to ensure safe distancing.
Upon arrival, passengers and crew will be guided to the arrival lounge for thermal scanning and collection of health declaration forms. They will then be transported to a quarantine facility for a seven-day quarantine period, with the cost of room and food borne by the passengers. Initial and subsequent swab tests will be conducted during the quarantine.
Passengers testing positive for COVID-19 will remain in quarantine, while those testing negative will be instructed to continue home quarantine for an additional seven days. The PCAA will maintain records of all passengers and crew for further follow-up.
These comprehensive SOPs aim to safeguard public health and ensure safe air travel during the ongoing pandemic.
