Indonesia suspends carrier’s license for physical distancing breaches hinh anh 1Illustrative image (Photo: Internet)

Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation has imposed penalties on local carrier Batik Air and the operators of the Soekarno-Hatta and PT Angkasa Pura II Airports for not maintaining a safe distance between passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ministry spokesperson Adita Irawati said inspectors found that Batik Air had not limited passenger numbers on its flights to less than 50 percent of seating capacity, in violation of the government’s physical distancing order.

The airline will have its licenses suspended, he said.

The two airport operators, meanwhile, failed to take the necessary measures to disinfect terminals or comply with physical distancing rules, Irawati noted, adding that a notice has been sent to them and sanctions are being considered.

He added that the ministry will be tough on breaches, without exception, if aviation organisations and companies continue to overlook preventive measures taken to fight the coronavirus.

All rules have been adopted to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent the virus from spreading further.

Thousands of passengers were seen flooding Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, last week after domestic flights resumed, causing massive congestion at Terminal 2./.

VNA