The Civil Aviation Authority of Kuwait has lifted the order requiring medical certificates for Indians travelling to the country amid the Coronavirus scare in the region. Meanwhile, Jazeera Airways continues to take additional precautionary measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its passengers. The airline presently connects five Indian cities in India – Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Kochi – to the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe.
Earlier this week, the Kuwaiti government had imposed restrictions on entry of passengers from 10 countries including India. The instructions mandatorily required passengers to undergo complete medical examination with a PCR test to obtain a certificate from the health centres approved by the Kuwait Embassy to confirm that they are free from coronavirus before entering the Gulf country. The order has since been rescinded.
Announcing additional intensive cleaning actions Rohit Ramachandran, CEO, Jazeera Airways said, “The health and safety of our passengers and crew is a priority for Jazeera Airways. In view of the Coronavirus outbreak we have introduced an enhanced anti-viral cleaning regime throughout Terminal 5 and on all our aircraft.”
Currently Jazeera Airways already undergoes a detailed cleaning process when on ground. However, in the wake of the outbreak the airline has stepped up a thorough cleaning process on-board for all aircraft on each turnaround in Kuwait. It has also introduced a new Aircraft Disinfection Program which involves spraying the cabins every day. In addition, every two weeks aircraft will be fumigated by using high pressure disinfection sprays on the seats and throughout the cabin. Disinfectant chemicals we use are both internationally approved and safe for our passengers.
The air filters in on-board filtration systems will also be replaced frequently, removing dust, allergens, bacteria, viruses and other irritating particles. Constant airflow also ensures that the cabin air is refreshed every 90 minutes throughout the flight.
Crew have been equipped with personal protective medical face masks and gloves. All washrooms are also equipped with anti-bacterial hand sanitizer pumps to help passengers keep free from germs.
In Terminal 5 at Kuwait Airport cleaning is carried out every four hours on all surfaces, handrails, departure seating areas, immigration zones and washrooms.
Ramachandran added, “We are closely following advice from the Kuwait authorities and also IATA (International Air Transport Association) to provide the right protection to enable our passengers to travel safely with us.”
