NEW DELHI: India's civil aviation regulator has advised airport operators to take punitive action by imposing 'spot fines' against passengers violating COVID-safety protocols.
In a circular issued on Tuesday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said: "The possibility of taking punitive action, such as levy of spot fines in accordance with law, shall also be explored with the local police authorities so as to serve a deterrent for violation of COVID-19 protocol."
The regulator cited: "During the surveillance of some airports, it has come to notice that compliance is not satisfactory."
"All airport operators, therefore, are requested to ensure that the instructions on COVID-19 protocol from the standpoint of wearing face masks properly, covering nose and mouth, as well as maintaining social distance norms within the airport premises are followed scrupulously." (IANS)