As winter grips northern India, the aviation industry braces for its annual battle against dense fog and smog. These conditions wreak havoc on flight schedules, causing delays, cancellations, and diversions, particularly at busy hubs like Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). Leading airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet are implementing robust measures to minimise disruptions and ensure passenger safety.

The Challenges of Winter Fog

The months between December and February bring a surge in operational challenges for airlines. Low visibility due to fog, combined with strong winds and airport congestion, makes navigation difficult. Flights require advanced precision landing systems, skilled pilots, and strategic planning to maintain safety and efficiency.

IndiGo’s Comprehensive Approach

IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, has implemented a multi-faceted plan to tackle the fog season:

  • CAT III Certification: IndiGo has trained 80 per cent of its 5,000 pilots to operate under CAT III conditions, which allow landings in near-zero visibility. The remaining 20 per cent are undergoing rigorous training.
  • Enhanced Equipment: Its fleet of Airbus aircraft is equipped with CAT III systems, enabling precision landings in runway visual ranges as low as 75 meters.
  • Fuel and Crew Management: The airline allocates an additional 45 minutes of fuel per flight and strategically stations crew at nearby hotels for rapid deployment.
  • Weather Monitoring: IndiGo employs meteorologists with expertise in the Air Force and Navy to provide real-time weather updates, enabling proactive flight adjustments.

Air India’s Fog Care Initiative

Air India, operating from its hub in Delhi, has also ramped up its winter preparedness:

  • Revised Schedules: Long-haul and metro-to-metro flights are prioritised to mitigate disruption.
  • CAT III Pilots: The airline has increased the number of pilots certified for low-visibility operations.
  • Passenger Support: Under its Fog Care initiative, Air India offers free flight rescheduling or refunds for affected passengers. This proactive approach reduces inconvenience by keeping passengers informed about delays and cancellations.

SpiceJet’s Strategic Measures

SpiceJet has introduced its fog plan effective December 10, focusing on operational resilience:

  • Dedicated War Room: A control centre monitors real-time weather updates and coordinates responses with airport teams.
  • Crew Rostering: CAT III-compliant pilots are scheduled for fog-prone flights, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
  • Enhanced Ground Support: Additional airport staff is deployed to assist passengers during delays or diversions.

Technology and Infrastructure

Indian airports are upgrading their infrastructure to handle fog-related challenges. Six airports, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, are already CAT III-certified, while others like Varanasi and Jammu are moving to CAT II standards. Airlines are incorporating advanced systems like satellite-based navigation to enhance operational precision.

Passenger-Centric Policies

Airlines are increasingly focusing on passenger welfare:

  • Transparent communication ensures passengers are informed of delays.
  • Flexible rebooking and refund policies provide convenience during disruptions.
  • Efficient diversion handling minimises inconvenience for stranded passengers.

The aviation industry’s response to winter fog in India highlights its commitment to safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. By investing in technology, training, and proactive planning, carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet aim to navigate the challenging fog season with minimal disruption. While foggy weather remains a formidable opponent, these measures reflect the resilience and adaptability of India’s aviation sector.