Aviation Ministry Ensures Smooth Air Travel Amid Fog

The Civil Aviation Ministry has issued directives to airlines for better passenger coordination during foggy weather, focusing on timely flight management and reducing inconvenience. Measures include improved communication, efficient crew deployment, and enhanced procedures, ensuring smoother air travel despite weather disruptions.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has called on airlines to ensure better coordination during adverse weather conditions, particularly fog. As part of its guidance, airlines are advised to cancel flights if delays exceed three hours to minimize passenger inconvenience.

In recent consultations with airlines and airport operators, the ministry emphasized that passengers should not be held on delayed aircraft for over 90 minutes. Ensuring efficient flight operations during fog periods, the DGCA has collaborated with airlines for deploying necessary crew and CAT II/CAT III-compliant aircraft.

The ministry highlighted the importance of transparent communication regarding potential delays or cancellations. Airlines are expected to maintain full staffing at check-in counters during peak hours, and new SOPs for air traffic management have been implemented by the Airports Authority of India to manage fog-affected airport operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)