DGCA issues warning to airlines after media chaos on Kangana Ranaut's flight

New Delhi : The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a strict warning to airlines after media frenzy on the Kangana Ranaut's flight. The regulator has warned with a suspension of a flight for two weeks if anyone is found taking photographs in an aircraft against the government-mandated rules. The airlines have been told to act against violators or face action.

The aviation regulator, in a statement today, reminded the airlines that "no person shall take any photograph except in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of a permission in writing granted by the Director General, a Joint Director General, a Deputy Director-General or the Director of Regulations and Information of the Civil Aviation Department." The permission, however, is "not applicable when such aircraft is landing, taking off or on ground at a defence aerodrome", it said.

The order also mentioned that the airlines fail to do so "primarily because of lack of diligence". Issuing a warning, the DGCA said, "It has been decided that from now on, in case any such violation occurs, the schedule of flight for that particular route shall be suspended for a period of two weeks from the next day." The flight operation shall be restored "only after the airline has taken all the necessary punitive action against those responsible for the violation."

"Such deviations result in compromise in maintaining the highest standards of safety," the DGCA underlined in the statement.

In the viral videos, the reporters were seen talking into the mic without their masks and social distancing is not seen anywhere on the plane.

The media chaos intensified as Mumbai's civic agency started demolishing what it called illegal alterations to her office even when she was on her way. Anticipating drama, the media followed her journey to Mumbai.

Meanwhile, Indigo in its reply said, its own crew followed all protocol on that flight. "We would like to reiterate that our cabin crew, as well as the captain followed all the requisite protocols, including announcements to restrict photography, follow social distancing and maintain overall safety. IndiGo also followed the requisite protocol of documenting this matter in its post-flight report. We are committed to providing a safe, hassle-free experience to our passengers."