DGCA allows airlines to use passenger flights’ belly and pax cabin to load cargo
April 2, 2020: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued special permission for all domestic and international airlines to operate cargo-only passenger aircraft to the country with guidelines to carry them both in belly and passenger cabins.
April 2, 2020: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued special permission for all domestic and international airlines to operate cargo-only passenger aircraft to the country with guidelines to carry them both in belly and passenger cabins.
With the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent 21-day lockdown in the country, there is a demand for cargo operations for transporting medical equipment and essential goods. DGCA has been receiving requests from scheduled and non-scheduled operators for allowing cargo operations using the existing passenger category aircraft.
“Considering the extraordinary situation the country is facing, permission may be given to scheduled/ non-scheduled operators to use the available passenger category aircraft for carriage of cargo,” reads the advisory.
But advisory also comes with conditions including:
1. Airlines have to obtain permission from DGCA.
3. Dangerous goods like lithium batteries and oxygen canister are not allowed.
4. Placement of cargo must not restrain movements.
5. Specific permission is required to carry freight on or under seats.
5. Comply with weight balance guidelines.
— DGCA (@DGCAIndia) April 1, 2020
Internationally, many airlines have already transformed their passenger flights into passenger freighters by using belly space to carry cargo across the world, while there are few airlines that are also using its passenger cabins to load freight.