Spice Jet crew quarantined after pilot tests positive for coronavirus

New Delhi: In another shocker, a SpiceJet pilot who operated a domestic flight from Chennai to New Delhi on March 21 as a co-pilot has now tested positive for the Coronavirus, the airline confirmed on Sunday, adding that “all crew and staff who had been in direct contact with him have been asked to self-quarantine by staying at home for the next 14 days”.

The airline also said the concerned pilot “did not operate any international flight in March this year.

In a statement, the private low-cost carrier said, “One of our colleagues, a First Officer with SpiceJet, has tested positive for COVID-19. The test report came on March 28. He did not operate any international flight in March 2020. The last domestic flight that he operated was on March 21 from Chennai to Delhi and since then he had quarantined himself at home.”

The airline added, “As a precautionary measure, all crew and staff who had been in direct contact with him have been asked to self-quarantine by staying at home for the next 14 days."

"All measures are being taken to provide appropriate medical care to him. Safety of our passengers and employees is our topmost priority. We have been diligently following the guidelines issued by the WHO and the Government of India," airline said in its statement.

The aircraft are being disinfected thoroughly since the end of January and the disinfectants used are as per the WHO standards.