The airlines have violated the maximum passenger capacity for commercial flights, at 70 percent, and did not practice physical distancing in the aircraft cabins, according to the monitoring report conducted by the Kualanamu Airport authority in Medan, North Sumatra.
"Three airlines did not practice physical distancing in the cabin for narrow-bodied and wide-bodied jet for domestic commercial flights in accordance with the seating arrangement and maximum passenger capacity of 70 percent. We ensure that (the airlines) will be sanctioned in accordance with the regulation," the ministry's Director General of Air Transportation, Novie Riyanto, noted in a statement here on Friday.
Based on Ministerial Regulation No. 56 of 2020, the ministry will impose an administrative sanction of Rp25 million up to Rp300 million against the three airlines.
"Ministerial Regulation No. 56 of 2020 demonstrates the Transportation Ministry's commitment to curb the chain of COVID-19 transmission. We will impose a sanction against those that violated (the regulation)," he affirmed.
Before the issuance of the ministerial regulation, the ministry has warned and revoked the flight route license of airlines that violated the rule to limit passenger capacity in the cabin.
"I am optimistic that all airlines would adhere to the regulation. Let us apply health protocols for a safe, secure, and healthy flight," he stated. Related news: Air carrier industry requires government incentive amid COVID-19
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Translator: Juwita TR, Sri Haryati
Editor: Suharto
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