Coronavirus impact: Airlines dismiss proposal to keep middle seat vacant

Suggest mandatory masks, gloves for passengers to ensure safety

Indian airlines have rejected the proposal to keep middle seats vacant once flights resume.

In a meeting held earlier this week with the government to discuss social distancing measures, promoters of airlines called the proposed rules redundant while pointing out that such measures of distancing were unlikely to ensure complete safety for passengers. However, such a step would worsen the economics for airlines hit hard by the outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, they said.

The airlines have instead suggested compulsory personal protective equipment like suit, gloves and mask for flyers and crew members.

“Keeping the middle seat vacant will