The Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday issued fresh advisories to airlines and airport operators to bolster their preparedness for adverse weather conditions, particularly fog, which often disrupts operations during winter. The ministry emphasized the need for closer coordination among Operations Control Centres, airline war-room representatives, and air traffic controllers to ensure timely decision-making and minimise passenger inconvenience.
In an official statement, the ministry reiterated its directive to airlines to cancel flights if delays exceed three hours. It also underscored the importance of not holding passengers inside delayed aircraft for more than 90 minutes, aiming to enhance re-boarding efficiency once flights resume.
Key initiatives for fog management
Deployment of low visibility operations resources: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ensured sufficient availability of CAT II/CAT III-compliant crew and aircraft for smooth operations during low visibility at affected airports. Three runways at Delhi Airport, including the critical Runway 10/28, have been equipped with CAT III Instrument Landing Systems (ILS).
‘Ease of Flying’ measures: The ministry highlighted several measures to streamline air travel during foggy conditions, including:
- Transparent communication of delays or cancellations with passengers.
- Full staffing at check-in counters during peak hours.
- Clear communication from online ticketing agents (OTAs) to improve passenger convenience.
Real-time coordination and SOPs: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has introduced updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Wide Area Traffic Management, ensuring better regulation of air traffic at fog-affected airports and their counterparts. Additionally, real-time coordination between airport command centres, air traffic controllers, and central air traffic flow management has been advised to ensure smoother operations.
Passenger re-entry protocols: The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has operationalised new protocols to facilitate the re-entry of passengers in case of flight cancellations. These measures were tested through drills conducted by CISF in collaboration with stakeholders.
Focus on passenger experience
The ministry called on airlines to prioritise passenger convenience by ensuring compliance with DGCA guidelines during delays or cancellations. Airlines were instructed to communicate proactively with passengers about weather-related disruptions and delays, reducing uncertainty and improving the travel experience.
Stakeholder consultations
Over the past two months, the ministry has held extensive consultations with airlines, airport operators, and other stakeholders to enhance readiness for the fog season. These discussions are part of the ministry’s broader strategy to promote “Ease of Flying” and ensure smoother journeys during peak travel times.
