Fog Season: To address challenges posed by the fog season, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has initiated a series of consultations with key stakeholders over the past two months. Collaborating with airlines, airport operators, DGCA, BCAS, AAI, IMD, and CISF, the Ministry emphasized seamless coordination to ensure passenger safety and minimize travel disruptions.
Key Measures Announced:
- Proactive Communication: Airlines and booking agents are directed to ensure accurate passenger contact details and communicate potential delays or cancellations promptly. Flights delayed over three hours must be canceled to prevent extended passenger inconvenience.
- Operational Efficiency: Airlines have been advised to strengthen Operations Control Centers (OCCs) for real-time decision-making during adverse weather conditions. AAI introduced new SOPs for efficient Wide Area Traffic Management, supported by real-time coordination among ATC, AOCC, CATFM, and airline OCCs.
- Enhanced Weather Monitoring: IMD is expediting the installation of Advanced Weather Observation Systems (AWOS) at fog-prone airports. Delhi Airport now uses CAT III ILS systems on three runways to support low-visibility operations.
- Passenger Convenience: To ease re-entry for passengers in case of cancellations, BCAS issued operational guidelines, supported by CISF-led drills. Airlines must also ensure full staffing at check-in counters during peak hours and prioritize compliance with DGCA guidelines during delays.
- Delhi Airport Initiatives: Additional “Follow-Me” vehicles and LED screens displaying real-time visibility updates have been introduced. These efforts aim to enhance ground operations and improve passenger experience during fog-related disruptions.
Through these initiatives, the Ministry aims to ensure a safer, more efficient flying experience while addressing the challenges of the fog season.
