In a significant move aimed at enhancing passenger safety and comfort, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a directive mandating airlines to allocate seats for children aged up to 12 years with at least one of their parents or guardians traveling on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR).
Key Details:
- Directive Issued: The DGCA’s directive, issued on Tuesday, emphasizes the importance of ensuring that children up to the age of 12 are seated alongside at least one of their parents or guardians who are traveling on the same PNR. This measure aims to enhance the safety and well-being of young passengers during air travel.
- Record Maintenance: Airlines have been instructed to maintain records of these seat allocations to ensure compliance with the mandate. By documenting the seating arrangements for children, airlines can effectively monitor adherence to the directive and address any instances of non-compliance.
Background and Rationale:
- Safety Concerns: The directive comes in response to recent incidents where children under 12 years of age were not seated with their parents on flights. Such occurrences raised concerns about the safety and well-being of unaccompanied minors during air travel, prompting the DGCA to take proactive measures to address this issue.
- Ensuring Proper Care: By requiring airlines to allocate seats for children alongside their parents or guardians, the DGCA aims to ensure the proper care and supervision of young passengers throughout their journey. This initiative underscores the aviation watchdog’s commitment to prioritizing passenger safety and comfort.
The DGCA’s mandate for airlines to allocate seats for children with parents or guardians traveling on the same PNR reflects a proactive approach to addressing safety concerns in air travel. By implementing this directive, airlines can enhance the overall travel experience for families while prioritizing the well-being of young passengers. As airlines work to comply with the new requirements, passengers can expect improved standards of care and supervision for children during flights, fostering a safer and more comfortable travel environment for all.
