Airlines can fill up middle seats but must follow SOP, says Bombay HC

The Bombay high court (HC) on Monday allowed all airlines to fill the middle seats provided the guidelines issued by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on May 31 and all other standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by civil aviation authorities are strictly adhered to.

The court passed its order in a petition filed by an Air India pilot who complained that the national carrier had risked the safety of passengers in Vande Bharat special evacuation flights and alleged that the airline had not adhered to a March 23 circular of DGCA which stipulated that the middle seat should be kept vacant to maintain social distancing among passengers. DGCA had, however, withdrawn the said circular and issued a new circular on May 31 stating the middle seats could be filled given the passenger was provided with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes face mask, face shield, wrap around gown and gloves.