New Delhi, Aug 12: India's aviation sector regulator has warned all airlines operating on international routes of "appropriate action" if they failed to comply with instructions regarding distribution of health screening cards to passengers on board.

"It has come to the notice of the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) that some airlines are still not distributing the requisite health screening cards to the passengers on board, causing public health hazard," a government statement said Wednesday.

"This non-compliance with the laid down requirements has been viewed very seriously," the statement by the civil aviation ministry added.

"Instructions given to the airlines in this regard should be followed in letter and spirit, failing which appropriate action would be taken against them," it said.

The DGCA in April had directed all airlines operating international air services to disburse copies of the health screening card - a pamphlet informing passengers on the process of screening for individuals affected with the H1N1 virus.

The regulator has also asked for a compliance report from airlines immediately.