To ensure preparedness for the fog season, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation 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). The Ministry highlighted the importance of seamless collaboration among key stakeholders, including security agencies, to enable smooth to fog-related challenges.
In line with the Ministry for Civil Aviation's emphasis on promoting ease of flying, these initiatives are intended to streamline the travel experience, reduce delays, and offer a smoother, more efficient journey for passengers, including during peak travel times affected by weather disruptions such as fog.
Specific initiatives include ensuring transparent communication with the flying public and re-minding airlines of earlier instructions to cancel upcoming flights if the delay exceeds three hours.
The Ministry also advised airlines to sensitise their operations control centres (OCCs) and war-room representatives for closer coordination during adverse weather conditions, especially fog. This initiative is aimed at improving real-time decision-making by ensuring that airline staff understand the on-ground realities of airport operations, facilitating more effective and timely responses to flight delays or cancellations.
Measures taken by stakeholders
Airports Authority of India (AAI) 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. The Ministry has recommended a closer and real-time coordination among ATC, AOCC, CATFM and Airline OCCs has been advised to all stakeholders.
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) committed to ensuring that all Met equipment functions without disruption. With AAI, IMD is working 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.
Delhi Airport has installed LED screens at prominent locations to provide real-time updates on visibility conditions. The 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, thus ensuring better coordination on ground.
Through regular consultations and the implementation of these key initiatives, the Ministry aims to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned better and well-coordinated to tackle the challenges of the fog season.
