Amidst the surge in flight disruptions attributed to fog-induced complications at airports, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) took proactive measures by issuing a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) this Monday. According to the PTI news agency, the aviation oversight body mandated that airlines furnish precise real-time updates on delays and enhance the awareness of airport personnel to effectively communicate with passengers.
The DGCA underscored the pivotal role of airlines in promptly disseminating information on flight delays, urging continuous guidance and information provision by airport staff for passengers navigating through disruptions. The SOPs further propose that, in anticipation of substantial delays during the prevalent fog season and adverse meteorological conditions, airlines may contemplate proactively canceling flights to forestall airport congestion and mitigate passenger inconvenience, as highlighted in the PTI report.
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia On Flight Delays
In response to the tumultuous disruptions caused by fog at multiple airports, including Delhi Airport, the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) has been expedited. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia underscored the collective endeavors of all stakeholders in mitigating the impact of fog on flight operations. He articulated, “Every entity involved is tirelessly engaged in minimizing the repercussions of fog and the ensuing inconvenience to passengers.”
In light of the substantial impact of low-visibility conditions on flight operations at Delhi Airport, Minister Scindia has unveiled supplementary measures. The DGCA is set to release an SOP aimed at enhancing communication and assistance for passengers in the face of flight cancellations and delays caused by adverse weather. DIAL, the operator of Delhi Airport, has received directives to hasten the activation of a CAT III-enabled fourth runway, enabling flights to operate seamlessly in conditions of limited visibility.
The Union Minister also addressed a recent incident involving an unruly passenger assaulting an IndiGo pilot amid a flight delay announcement, condemning such behavior as unacceptable. He implored travelers to endure the challenges during this testing period and assured proactive steps are being taken to alleviate the situation. Scindia further advocated for stringent actions against instances of unruly conduct, aligning with existing legal provisions.
The Civil Aviation Ministry provided insights into the operational status of runways at Delhi Airport during low-visibility conditions. The CAT-III Runway RWY 11R/29L facilitated 30 landings and 1 take-off within a 4-hour timeframe, while non-CAT III Runways RWY 9/27 and RWY 11L/29R experienced limitations in flight movements, as reported by PTI.
Delhi Airport, being the nation’s largest, manages an approximate daily influx of 1,300 flights. Recent disruptions due to dense fog have resulted in flight diversions and cancellations. In response to late December disturbances, the DGCA had previously issued show-cause notices to Air India and SpiceJet for neglecting to deploy pilots trained for operations in conditions of low visibility.