The Civil Aviation Ministry of India issued an important advisory to airlines on Wednesday, urging them to ensure closer coordination and preparedness during adverse weather conditions, particularly fog. Fog, which is a recurring weather challenge during the winter months, often leads to low visibility and disruptions in flight operations, posing significant challenges for both airlines and airports. In light of this, the Ministry has directed airlines to sensitise their Operations Control Centres and war-room representatives to ensure effective communication and prompt action in such conditions.
The advisory emphasizes the importance of proactive coordination between airlines, airport authorities, and air traffic control to minimize disruptions and manage the situation effectively. This coordination is vital to ensure the safety of passengers and timely response to flight delays caused by poor visibility due to fog. The Ministry’s directive highlights the need for airlines to stay vigilant and work together with airport operators to anticipate weather-related disruptions and mitigate their impact.
In addition to this new guidance, the Ministry reiterated its earlier instructions to air operators regarding flight cancellations during extreme weather conditions. The advisory clearly stated that if a flight is delayed for more than three hours due to adverse weather, airlines should cancel the flight rather than keeping passengers waiting for extended periods. This measure aims to prioritize passenger comfort and safety, ensuring that they are not stranded at airports for prolonged periods.
The Ministry’s call for closer coordination follows a series of consultations with various stakeholders, including airlines, airport operators, and other aviation experts, to review and strengthen the preparedness of the aviation sector for fog-related challenges. These consultations were part of ongoing efforts to improve the aviation infrastructure and response mechanisms to ensure smooth operations during the winter months when fog is more prevalent.
With foggy conditions causing significant disruptions in the past, especially at airports in northern India, the Civil Aviation Ministry’s proactive advisory is an effort to enhance the efficiency and reliability of air travel during such challenging weather conditions. By ensuring better coordination and timely actions, the Ministry aims to reduce the impact of fog on flight operations, minimize delays, and enhance the overall passenger experience during the winter season.
