Aviation authority says no to clicking pictures near aircraft

Some travellers love to take pictures in front of the aircraft before boarding a flight, but authorities believe it is risky and not worth the joy.

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed strict regulations to stop both passengers and crew members from clicking pictures.

"Taking pictures during flight is a source of distraction, which may lead to error and reduction in safety," the aviation authority said in a circular.

It has also asked airlines to ensure that passengers are not allowed to indulge in photography while embarking/disembarking from the aircraft.

The statement cited extreme cases where crew members had allowed passengers inside the cockpit to take pictures.

"In a few instances, both pilots were away from the aircraft controls when the photographs were taken. In a recent case, one of the pilot was engaged in photography during flight training, which eventually resulted into an accident," the circular said.

It also said the crew is not allowed to take pictures during any phase of the flight.