DGCA asks airlines to stop extra duty-free goods on board

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked airlines to stop allowing excessive duty-free goods and extra crew baggage on board as part of its efforts to ensure efficient fuel management during flights.

The directive is part of a detailed circular on 'Climate Change Initiatives and Local Air Quality Monitoring in Civil Aviation'. The DGCA has directed airlines to avoid additional fuel burn on account of unwanted extra weight.

Carriage of items like old magazines and newspapers, excess duty-free material, extra water in tanks not required for the flight, pillows and blankets, excessive crew baggage, extra airline magazines, empty baggage and cargo containers, shall be avoided on board.

Moisture accumulation in aircraft insulation, accumulation of dirt-both inside and outside the aircraft-shall also be avoided, the circular further states.