Cancel flights with over 3-hour delay: DGCA issues guidelines
What's the story
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for airlines in response to recent criticism over fog-related flight delays and cancellations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The DGCA has directed that airlines should cancel flights expected to be delayed for over three hours due to fog.
This will help in avoiding airport congestion and reducing passenger inconvenience.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Several parts of North India, including Delhi, are in the grip of a cold wave.
Sub-zero temperatures and dense fog over the Indo-Gangetic Plain in the hills have made commuting extremely difficult.
The extreme weather conditions have delayed over 250 flights at the Delhi airport in the last two days.
Neighboring states also saw delays in train and flight operations.
Details
Provide real-time update to passengers: DGCA
The guidelines also require airlines to provide accurate, real-time updates on fog-induced delays through their websites, SMS, WhatsApp, and email.
The airlines are also required to display updated information on delays at airports.
In its statement, the DGCA has also stressed on the importance of proper training for airlines staff at airports to effectively communicate flight delays to passengers.
Twitter Post
Guidelines issued by DGCA
#NewsFlash | #DGCA issues SOP regarding flight cancellation due to excessive delay during Adverse Weather Condition
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) January 15, 2024
Read here 👇 pic.twitter.com/UrRXKdDJ62
What Next?
Civil aviation minister assures action to mitigate fog-related impact
As a result of poor visibility, authorities had to temporarily shut down operations on the only-running Category III runway, which cannot handle zero-visibility conditions.
In response, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday said that measures are being taken to improve the situation.
"All stakeholders are working tirelessly to minimize the impact of fog on flight operations," he said.
The minister also said that passenger safety remains the top priority for everyone in the aviation industry.
Twitter Post
Passenger safety most important: Scindia
Yesterday, Delhi witnessed unprecedented fog wherein visibility fluctuated for several hours, and at times, dropped to zero between 5 AM to 9 AM.
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) January 15, 2024
The authorities, therefore, were compelled to enforce a shut-down of operations for some time even on CAT III runways (CAT III…
Details
DGCA action in response to passenger woes
Amid widespread flight disruptions, frustrated passengers could be seen waiting at airports for their rescheduled flights.
The issuance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) follows numerous complaints on social media about significant flight delays.
In one incident, an IndiGo pilot was attacked.