Aircraft window shades to remain shut during takeoff, landing at defence airfields: DGCA
PTC Web Desk: In the wake of heightened military tensions along India’s western border, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a set of stringent operational guidelines for commercial airlines using dual-use defence airfields. The aviation regulator has mandated that all aircraft window shades remain closed during takeoff and landing at military airbases, especially those located near sensitive border zones.
According to the DGCA directive, the rule will remain in effect until aircraft ascend beyond 10,000 feet after takeoff and once they descend below the same altitude during landing. The only exception to this requirement is for passengers seated in emergency exit rows.
This precautionary measure comes shortly after India-Pakistan border tensions escalated, following the launch of Operation Sindoor by Indian armed forces in response to the recent Pahalgam Terror Attack. The directive applies to several strategic dual-use airports that facilitate both civilian and military aviation.
The DGCA has also prohibited all forms of photography and videography by passengers during their presence at defence airports. Airlines have been instructed to inform passengers in advance about this restriction and clearly explain the consequences of non-compliance, which may include legal and regulatory action under national security laws.
The directive also makes it mandatory for airlines to deliver pre-flight announcements—both before takeoff and prior to landing—emphasising the need to keep window shades closed and prohibiting the use of cameras and mobile phones for capturing images or videos.
In addition, the DGCA has directed all airlines to establish clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for flight and cabin crews to manage safety and security risks specific to defence airfield operations. These updated procedures are intended to bolster "operational safety" and minimise any "unintentional disclosure of sensitive security information" to the public. The advisory is applicable to flights operating from key defence airports including: Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Adampur, Chandigarh, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Nal, Jodhpur, Hindon, Agra, Kanpur, Bareilly, Maharajpur, Gorakhpur, Bhuj, Lohegaon (Pune), Dabolim (Goa), and Visakhapatnam (Vizag).
These directives follow the temporary shutdown of 32 airports across northern, central, and western India amid Operation Sindoor. While operations have since resumed, the DGCA continues to prioritise enhanced surveillance and preventive security measures.
- With inputs from agencies