New Delhi. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu held a review meeting with various concerned units on fog preparedness. He asked airline companies to proactively inform passengers about flight delays as well as ensure that ‘check-in’ counters are fully staffed to help minimize travel disruption. “Preparations to manage the visibility challenges this winter are moving in the right direction and good progress has been made in eliminating the constraints,” the Civil Aviation Ministry said in a release.
The meeting was attended by Civil Aviation Secretary Wumlunmang Wulnam, senior officials of the ministry, DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Safety), India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi Airport Operating Agency Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) and airline companies. Representatives of IAS and others participated. At least 15 flights were diverted and over 100 flights delayed in the national capital due to poor visibility on Monday.
According to the release, the airline companies have confirmed that they will follow the DGCA guidelines with respect to deploying CAT II:III compliant aircraft and pilots to Delhi and other airports. Three of the four runways at Delhi airport have CAT III ILS (Instrument Landing System) which will facilitate flight operations in low visibility levels. Delhi airport is also the busiest airport in the country. CAT 2:3 compliance will allow pilots to fly aircraft in low visibility conditions.
The release said airline companies have been “directed to proactively communicate with passengers about possible delays or flight cancellations due to visibility issues.” If the delay is more than three hours, the flight will have to be cancelled.” The minister said airline companies should ensure that all staff are present at all check-in counters at airports to minimize inconvenience to passengers. Delhi airport operator DIAL has been advised to install LED screens at key locations to provide real-time information about visibility conditions to passengers.
