DGCA Directs Airlines To Keep Window Shades Shut During Takeoff And Landing At Defence Airfields

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all commercial airlines to keep the aircraft window shades closed during takeoff and landing at defence airports, especially those near the western border, India Today reported.

The rule will remain in force until the aircraft climbs past 10,000 feet after takeoff and resumes after descent below this level before landing.

The only exception to this rule applies to emergency exit rows, the aviation regulator said.

Issued days after recent India-Pakistan tensions along the western border, the directive applies to dual-use airports that serve both civilian and military operations.

Airlines have also been instructed to warn passengers against filming or photographing during transit at military bases.

"Operators should also communicate the potential consequences of non-compliance, including regulatory or legal action as per applicable security protocols," the statement said.

The airlines have also been directed to make mandatory pre-flight announcements, both before take-off and landing, instructing passengers to close window shades and refrain from using cameras or phones for recording.

Airlines are also required to formulate SOPs enabling their crew to manage safety and security risks while operating from defence airports.

The DGCA directive said that the guidelines have been issued to enhance "operational safety" and prevent the "unintentional sharing of security-related information by the public".

The airports where the directives have to be strictly followed include: Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Adampur, Chandigarh, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Nal, Jodhpur, Hindon, Agra, Kanpur, Bareilly, Maharajpur, Gorakhpur, Bhuj, Lohegaon, Goa (Dabolim), and Vizag.

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