Latest news with #CivilAviationRequirements
Business Standard
26-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Air India flight emergency prompts call for better medical kits onboard
When a medical emergency struck mid-air on Air India flight AI504 recently, one doctor sprang into action to help the unwell passenger. But what followed was a wake-up call about the serious gaps in the airline's medical preparedness. Dr Amit Gupta, chair of the IDF School of Diabetes, who attended to the ailing passenger, later stated that the aircraft lacked essential diagnostic tools such as a pulse oximeter, glucose monitor and ECG machine. Dr Gupta emphasised that these tools are crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention during in-flight medical emergencies. He shared his concerns on social media on Saturday, stating, 'Perhaps time to consider adding these life-saving tools to the kit?' Air India responds to the concern raised by doctor What are the DGCA rules on onboard medical kits? The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates that all Indian-registered commercial aircraft carry specific medical supplies in accordance with the Civil Aviation Requirements, Section 2 'Airworthiness', Series 'X' Part III. These kits are intended to address in-flight health emergencies and include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes and pain relievers. What do ICAO rules recommend for medical kits? According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations body that works on international air transport, aeroplanes authorised to carry more than 100 passengers on flights longer than two hours must have a medical kit for use by medical doctors or other qualified persons in treating in-flight emergencies. However, the inclusion of advanced diagnostic tools like pulse oximeters and portable ECG devices is not currently mandated. Are passengers allowed to carry medical devices onboard? Passengers are allowed to carry personal medical devices and medications onboard, subject to certain conditions. Items such as insulin, inhalers or EpiPens must be declared at check-in or security, and passengers should carry prescriptions for any injectable medications or devices like syringes. For devices like portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), prior airline approval is required. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Project to operate passenger ships to Gulf from Kerala runs into rough weather
Kerala's attempt to launch a passenger ship service to the Gulf countries from the State has run into rough weather, as the company that evinced interest in the project has sought time to acquire vessels suited for the service for over a year. The State had been trying to start passenger cruise ship services to the UAE to transport large numbers of overseas travellers, especially during the festive season, to minimise the impact of the predatory pricing of the airlines operating in the sector. As per the bid floated by the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB), the nodal agency of the project on March 7, 2024 two companies had evinced interest in the project — for 'operation of passenger ships/cruises/vessels connecting West Asia/ GCC with Kerala' utilising the port infrastructure in Kerala. Subsequently, a meeting was also held on August 6, 2024, between KMB and the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) with the presence of two prospective bidders to discuss the technical aspects of the project. However, the interested bidders are yet to acquire suitable vessels for the service, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Speaking to The Hindu, N.S. Pillai, chairman of the KMB, said the talks with a company named White Shipping based in Chennai were hopeful, and the shipping company has sought time to acquire a ship for the project. However, the company has not yet communicated to the KMB on the status of their search for ships, said Mr. Pillai. The KMB's role will be to provide berthing and passenger terminal facilities, along with the infrastructure essential for operations – upon payment of necessary charges. The operator should provide the cruise/passenger ship service, viz., all aspects of acquisition of vessels or leasing, operations including staffing, safety, vessel maintenance, logistics and marketing, etc. Hopeful of comeback Though the project has been delayed, the KMB is hopeful that it could be brought back on track, taking account of the huge diaspora from the State, especially in the UAE, which alone is has around 19 lakh Keralites. The cruise ship services will blend affordable travel along with a luxury cruise experience accompanied by entertainment facilities onboard the ship — in a bid to woo blue-collar workers and premium cruise travellers. The State government had earlier taken the initiative to press in charter flights to bring expats back to Kerala during the festive season and sought permission from the Centre to operate chartered flights between the UAE and India, adhering to the stipulated CAR (Civil Aviation Requirements) of 30 days under ITP (International Travel Permits) provisions. However, after a few rounds of discussions with airlines operating in the sector, the project hit an air pocket.
Gulf Business
28-04-2025
- Gulf Business
India travel alert: What every flyer needs to know
Image credit: Getty images India's The directive aims to ensure continued passenger comfort and safety. Read- According to a WAM report, this directive comes 'in light of recent international airspace closures and overflight restrictions' in the South Asian region. Due to these closures, 'several flight routes have been significantly altered, leading to extended flight durations and the possibility of technical stops,' the DGCA explained. The authority has also mandated that airlines proactively inform passengers about route changes, extended travel times, and any technical halts during their journey. 'This communication should occur at check-in, boarding, and through digital alerts.' Airlines are now required to revise their catering based on the actual flight time, ensuring adequate food, hydration, and special meal availability throughout the flight, including during technical stopovers. Carriers must verify that all medical supplies on board are sufficient and ensure the availability of emergency services at potential technical halt airports. Additionally, aviation call centers and customer service teams must be prepared to handle delays, missed connections, and provide assistance or compensation as required by applicable regulations. 'All airlines must treat this directive as mandatory. Failure to comply may result in regulatory action under the applicable Civil Aviation Requirements. This directive is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice,' the DGCA emphasised.
Gulf Today
26-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
India imposes enhanced passenger handling steps at airports
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all airlines operating international flights into and out of India to implement enhanced handling measures with immediate effect ensure continued passenger comfort and safety. This directive is "in the light of the recent international airspace closures and overflight restrictions' in the South Asian region. As a result, "several flight routes have been significantly altered, leading to extended flight durations and the possibility of technical stops,' the DGCA said. The DGCA directed that airlines must proactively inform passengers about route changes, extended travel times, and any technical halts during their journey. "This communication should occur at check-in, boarding, and via digital alerts.' Airlines are required to revise catering based on the actual flight time, ensuring adequate food, hydration, and special meal availability throughout the flight, including any technical stopovers. Carriers must ensure that on-board medical supplies are sufficient and verify the availability of emergency services at potential technical halt airports. In addition, aviation call centers and customer service teams must be ready to handle delays, missed connections, and provide assistance or compensation as required by applicable regulations. The DGCA said "all airlines must treat this directive as mandatory. Failure to comply may attract regulatory action under the applicable Civil Aviation Requirements. This directive is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice.' WAM
Al Etihad
26-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
India imposes enhanced passenger handling steps at international airports
26 Apr 2025 20:01 NEW DELHI (AGENCIES)India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all airlines operating international flights into and out of India to implement enhanced handling measures with immediate effect ensure continued passenger comfort and directive is 'in the light of the recent international airspace closures and overflight restrictions' in the South Asian region. As a result, 'several flight routes have been significantly altered, leading to extended flight durations and the possibility of technical stops,' the DGCA DGCA directed that airlines must proactively inform passengers about route changes, extended travel times, and any technical halts during their journey. 'This communication should occur at check-in, boarding, and via digital alerts.'Airlines are required to revise catering based on the actual flight time, ensuring adequate food, hydration, and special meal availability throughout the flight, including any technical must ensure that on-board medical supplies are sufficient and verify the availability of emergency services at potential technical halt addition, aviation call centers and customer service teams must be ready to handle delays, missed connections, and provide assistance or compensation as required by applicable regulations. The DGCA said 'all airlines must treat this directive as mandatory. Failure to comply may attract regulatory action under the applicable Civil Aviation Requirements. This directive is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice.'
