By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, JAN 02, 2025: TO ensure preparedness for the fog season, Ministry of Civil Aviation conducted a series of consultations over the past two months with airlines, airport operators, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The Ministry highlighted the importance of seamless collaboration among key stakeholders, including security agencies, to enable smooth to fog related challenges.

In line with the Minister for Civil Aviation's emphasis on promoting "Ease of Flying", these initiatives are intended to streamline the travel experience, reduce delays, and offer a smoother, more efficient journey for passengers, including during peak travel times affected by weather disruptions such as fog. Specific initiatives include the following:

1. Ensuring transparent communication with the flying public is important. Airlines are instructed to proactively communicate with passengers about potential delays/cancellations due to visibility issues. For this, Airlines and booking agents to ensure that correct passenger contact information is recorded during ticket booking.

2.   Airlines have also been reminded of earlier instructions to cancel upcoming flights if the delay is exceeding 3 hours.

3. DGCA has sensitized Online Ticketing Agents (OTAs) for better and clear communication with passengers who are booked with them for smoother experience and convenience.

4. Ministry advised airlines to sensitize their Operations Control Centers (OCCs) and war-room representatives for closer coordination during adverse weather conditions, especially fog. This initiative is aimed at improving real-time decision-making by ensuring that airline staff understand the on-ground realities of airport operations, allowing for more effective and timely responses to flight delays or cancellations.

5. AAl has implemented new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for efficient Wide Area Traffic Management. These SOPs are designed to effectively regulate air traffic at fog-affected airports and at the originating or destination airports. A closer and real time coordination among ATC, AOCC, CATFM and Airline OCCs has been advised to all stakeholders.

6.  IMD committed to ensure all Met equipment function without disruption. In coordination with AAI, IMD is working proactively to expedite the implementation of the Advanced Weather Observation System (AWOS) at Delhi Airport and other fog-affected airports, ensuring accurate and timely weather information for pilots and air traffic controllers to enhance operational safety and efficiency.

7. BCAS circular for facilitating the smooth re-entry of passengers in case of flight cancellations was operationalized and drills were organized by CISF with Stakeholders. Intention is that passengers should not be held up inside delayed aircraft for more than 90 minutes. This would significantly reduce passenger inconvenience and ensure a smoother re-boarding process once flights resume.

8. DGCA, in close coordination with airlines, has ensured the deployment of adequate number of CAT II/CAT III-compliant crew and aircraft to carry out Low Visibility Operations efficiently during the fog period at affected airports. Three runways at the Delhi airport have activated CAT III ILS systems, Including the important Runway 10/28.

9.  Delhi Airport has installed LED screens at prominent locations to provide real- time updates on visibility conditions. Delhi Airport has also scaled up the number of "Follow-Me" vehicles, which will guide and assist the pilots on the apron/taxiway during low visibility conditions ensuring better coordination on ground

10. All Airlines committed to ensure full staffing at check-in counters during peak hours to reduce passenger inconvenience. Stakeholders were reminded to ensure compliance to DGCA guidelines during delays or cancellations, while ensuring passengers are promptly informed on top priority.

11. Through these regular consultations and the implementation of these key initiatives, the Ministry is ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned better and well-coordinated to tackle the challenges of the fog season. Our primary focus remains on safeguarding passenger convenience, safety, and a seamless flying experience.