To get married in the air and still not free

Indian Civil Aviation Regulators are investigating a video clip that has been circulated on social media showing a couple flying to an air wedding with the participation of family and friends.

In the video, guests and photographers are seen gathered around the bride and groom, most of whom are not wearing masks.

India is in the throes of a deadly second wave of Covid-19. In Tamil Nadu, where the wedding took place, temples and halls were closed, and weddings and other social events were limited to a maximum of 50 participants.

An official at the General Department of Civil Aviation said SpiceJet had been asked to file a complaint against those who violated safety guidelines and all staff had been suspended.

"We will investigate in detail and take further action," the official said.

A SpiceJet spokesman said the plane was leased by a travel agency in Madurai on May 23 for a post-wedding flight. He said the airline was taking action against those who violated Covid safety laws.

Agents and guests are informed in detail about social and safety gap standards, in accordance with the guidelines on the protection of Covid and civil aviation laws.

"Despite repeated requests and reminders, passengers have not complied with the guidelines and the airline is taking appropriate action," the spokesman said.