30 seconds of silence likely on flights carrying soldiers bodies

October 11, 2017 09:04

Indian carriers may soon ask passengers to observe 30 seconds of silence if the aircraft is carrying the mortal remains of military personnel who have died in combat.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has forwarded a proposal from the armed forces to all airlines for comments, and government officials indicated that it may soon be accepted. This proposal had come from the armed forces and we have forwarded it to airlines seeking their views, said a senior official at the aviation regulator. Airlines have to be taken on board before any decision is taken.

DGCA also forwarded a possible template for the announcement that could be made on such flights. Oddly enough, the template includes terms like proud and privileged while referring to martyred soldiers. However, a DGCA official said the script had not been prepared by the regulator.

However, an airline official, speaking off the record, hinted that using words like proud and privileged may be inappropriate. I think it is a bit awkward when carrying their remains. If they were on board it would be fine, said the official. Some experts were bemused by the regulators move.

The current rules followed by airlines while carrying bodies of armed forces personnel do not include any announcement.

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