Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has taken proactive steps to address the challenges posed by fog-related flight delays, issuing additional standard operating procedures (SOPs) to manage disruptions at airports, particularly in Delhi. The move comes in response to recent chaos and delays due to dense fog affecting flight operations.
The newly introduced SOPs include several key measures:
- Incidence Reporting: Airlines are required to submit incident reports three times daily for all six metro airports, providing comprehensive data on disruptions caused by fog.
- Compliance Monitoring: Stringent monitoring of the implementation of directives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), SOPs, and Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) will be conducted and reported regularly.
- War Rooms: Airports and airline operators at the six metro airports will establish dedicated “War Rooms” to promptly address any issues related to passenger inconvenience.
- CISF Manpower: Adequate manpower availability from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will be ensured round-the-clock to maintain security and manage the increased passenger volume.
- Runway Operations: Runway 29L at Delhi Airport has been made CAT III operational, enhancing the airport’s capability to handle flights during foggy conditions. Additionally, the operationalization of Runway 10/28 as CAT III will be undertaken after re-carpeting.
In a post on X, Minister Scindia emphasized the commitment of all stakeholders to minimize the impact of fog-related disruptions. The SOPs aim to enhance coordination, communication, and operational efficiency during adverse weather conditions.
The minister also addressed the recent incident of unruly behavior, emphasizing its unacceptability. He stated that such incidents would be dealt with strongly in accordance with existing legal provisions.
The aviation industry, particularly Delhi Airport, experienced significant disruptions on Sunday due to dense fog, leading to flight diversions, cancellations, and delays. The DGCA had previously issued SOPs instructing airlines to comply with measures to ensure timely and accurate communication with affected passengers.
The SOPs emphasize the publication of real-time information on delays, advance notifications to passengers via SMS, WhatsApp, and email, display of updated information at airports, and sensitization of airline staff to effectively communicate with passengers.
These comprehensive measures seek to improve the passenger experience, reduce inconvenience, and enhance the overall efficiency of flight operations during challenging weather conditions, reinforcing the commitment to safety and customer satisfaction in the aviation sector.