The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has instructed the airlines to proactively communicate potential delays or cancellations with the passengers during the upcoming fog season. MoCA has also conducted a series of consultations with the airport authorities, security agencies and meteorological department to reduce flight delays and cancellations.
Mumbai-Delhi route was ranked as the world’s eighth most busiest air route in 2024 by international travel data and analytics firm OAG. However, the upcoming fog season is expected to bring hindrances to this heavy flow of traffic.
To ensure preparedness for the fog season, MoCA 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).
MoCA has instructed the airlines to proactively communicate with passengers about potential delays or cancellations due to visibility issues. To ensure efficient communication with passengers, airlines and booking agents have also been asked to record correct passenger contact information during ticket booking. Airlines have also been reminded of earlier instructions to cancel upcoming flights if the delay is exceeding 3 hours.
The ministry has also advised airlines to sensitise their Operations Control Centers (OCCs) and war-room representatives for closer coordination during adverse weather conditions. DGCA has sensitised Online Ticketing Agents (OTAs) for better and clear communication with passengers who are booked with them for smoother experience and convenience.
Airlines have committed to ensure full staffing at check-in counters during peak hours to reduce passenger inconvenience. The ministry also reminded the stakeholders to ensure compliance to DGCA guidelines during delays or cancellations and ensure passengers are promptly informed on top priority.
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.
In coordination with AAI, IMD has also committed to work 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.
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.
