New Delhi: In response to the early onset of fog and smog in the National Capital Region, the Ministry of Civil Aviation convened a high-level meeting today to review preparedness for uninterrupted airport operations during low-visibility conditions.
The meeting, chaired by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, included senior officials from the Ministry, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the Indian Meteorological Department, the Delhi airport operator, and airline representatives.
The Minister emphasized a passenger-first approach aligned with the ‘Ease of Flying’ vision, prioritizing convenience and safety. He reviewed the operational readiness of the Airport Operation Control Room and called for real-time coordination among Air Traffic Control (ATC), airlines, ground handlers, and airport operators to ensure smooth operations despite adverse weather conditions.
Key Measures to Address Fog-Related Disruptions
The Delhi airport is activating several measures to handle the visibility challenges effectively:
- Deployment of CAT II/III Compliant Aircraft: Airlines confirmed adherence to DGCA guidelines, ensuring that compliant aircraft and trained pilots are deployed at Delhi and other fog-prone airports.
- Runway and Navigation Systems: Three out of four runways at Delhi airport are equipped with CAT III Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), enabling operations in dense fog.
- Enhanced Passenger Communication: Airlines have been directed to keep passengers informed about potential delays or cancellations due to low visibility and ensure accurate passenger contact details during ticket bookings.
- Operational Support: The airport operator has been advised to increase the availability of ‘Follow Me’ vehicles for guiding aircraft and install LED screens at prominent locations to provide real-time updates on visibility conditions.
New Measures for Passenger Comfort and Efficiency
Minister Naidu also introduced additional measures to enhance passenger experience:
- Staffing and Facilitation: Airlines and airport operators were instructed to ensure full staffing at check-in counters during peak hours to reduce passenger inconvenience.
- Cancellation Protocols: Flights facing delays exceeding three hours are to be cancelled to prevent prolonged inconvenience for passengers.
- BCAS Circular Implementation: A new BCAS directive facilitates the re-entry of passengers stranded inside aircraft due to weather or technical delays, allowing for smoother re-boarding once operations resume. A drill involving stakeholders is underway to test the new system.
With real-time coordination and passenger-centric measures in place, the Ministry aims to ensure seamless air travel during challenging weather conditions.
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