DGCA allows airlines to carry 22.5 kg cargo per seat in passenger compartments
DGCA made it clear that carrying passengers as well as cargo in the passenger compartments at the same time is not allowed
Team Plane Vanilla
Jan 16, 2021
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As air traffic slowly returns to normal, new adjustments are being made for the carriers who wish to utilise the space left vacant in the planes. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued guidelines for airlines that seek to carry cargo in the passenger compartment of aircraft.
The regulator said that the type of cargo to be carried would be according to government directives and has to be limited to medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other products that are vital for the functioning of sensitive supply chains hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. It prohibits operators to transport dangerous goods, as specified by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), in the passenger compartments of aircraft.
"Operator intending to carry cargo in passenger compartment shall apply to DGCA at least 10 days prior to the proposed commencement of operations," the regulator said in its guidelines.
The regulator said that the cargo must not exceed 22.5 kg per seat place or 50 kg if it is a single package laid on a triple seat.
Also read: DGCA issues guidelines for carrying Covid vaccines as India gets ready for inoculation
The cargo must not be higher than the height of the seat, it said.
"Cargo stowed under seats shall not exceed 9 kg per seat place," the DGCA noted.
DGCA made it clear that carrying passengers as well as cargo in the passenger compartments at the same time is not allowed.
Only people who are "essentially required" should be on board during any such flight, it added.
"Further, the operator shall ensure that such operations (cargo flight) do not affect or disrupt their approved schedule," the DGCA noted.
Also read: Covid-19 slump steadily reversing in air cargo business; India a strong performer
The regulator, by an order dated January 8, 2021, had issued detailed guidelines for airlines and aircraft operators for the transportation of Covid-19 vaccines packed in dry ice. It has called for strict adherence to those directives.
Here is the complete set of DGCA guidelines on carrying cargo in passenger compartments of aircraft:
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