Passengers flying in domestic flights inside India will only be allowed to carry only one bag inside the cabin of the aircraft, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has ordered in a new circular, imposing ‘One Hand Bag rule’ across airports.

The new rule has been imposed with an aim to ease out congestion and security concerns on ground and reduce burden at screening points at airports.

The decision bars any passenger within India in domestic flight from carrying more than one cabin baggage, with an exception to the items listed by the government in the circular.

“As per BCAS AVSEC Circular Nos. 06/2000 & Lt12000, no passenger should be permitted to carry more than one hand bag other than those items already listed in the circular including lady's bag,” BCAS said in an order issued on January 19.

"It has been seen that passenger on an average carries 02-03 Nos of hand bags to the screening point. This has led to increased clearance time as well as delays, congestion in PESC point and inconvenience to passengers,” the order read.

The civil aviation body instructed airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders to ensure the enforcement of the ‘One Hand Bag rule’ and display it on hoardings as well as passenger tickets and boarding passes for clarity.

“Airline may be made responsible and depute staff to guide pax, check and verify their hand bag status etc, before allowing the passenger for Pre-embarkation security checks," the BCAS stated.

"All airlines may be directed suitably to inform passengers and to display 'one hand bag rule' on their tickets/boarding passes very conspicuously,” it added.

The new order comes as an additional restriction for travellers, while smoothening the process of security check at airport. The Centre had already imposed a one-bag policy for check-in baggage to ease congestion and ensure health protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic.