Winter Fog Disrupts Flights Steps Taken to Minimise Passenger Inconvenience
As the peak winter fog season kicks in, the Indian aviation sector is gearing up to manage the disruptions caused by low visibility at major airports, especially in Delhi. With dense fog leading to significantly reduced visibility, airports and airlines have been instructed to adopt several measures to minimise the inconvenience caused to passengers. The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, on January 1, 2025, listed clear dos and don’ts for airlines and airport operators to ensure that travellers experience as little disruption as possible during this foggy season.
One of the primary concerns during foggy conditions is delayed flight departures, which can leave passengers stranded for extended periods inside the aircraft. To address this, airlines have been directed not to keep passengers seated for more than 90 minutes in case of delays due to fog. If a flight is delayed by more than three hours, airlines must cancel the flight to avoid prolonged uncertainty. This step aims to minimise the discomfort for passengers and ensure that they are not kept waiting on the tarmac indefinitely. Moreover, the Ministry has stressed the importance of clear communication between airlines and their passengers. In case of delays or cancellations, airlines are required to inform passengers proactively about the status of their flights. Passengers must ensure that accurate contact details are provided at the time of booking, so airlines can send timely notifications in case of any disruptions. To assist with low visibility operations, the Ministry has also been working closely with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to deploy advanced weather observation systems (AWOS) at key airports, including Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. This system will help provide real-time, accurate weather data to pilots and air traffic controllers, enhancing safety and improving the operational efficiency of flights during foggy conditions.
In addition, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ensured that an adequate number of CAT II/CAT III-compliant aircraft and crew are available to handle low-visibility operations. Three key runways at Delhi airport have been upgraded to activate the CAT-III Instrument Landing System (ILS), which allows for safe landings even when visibility is near zero. At ground level, several measures have been introduced to improve the passenger experience. For example, Delhi’s airport has increased the number of “follow me” vehicles to guide pilots on the apron and taxiways during low visibility. These vehicles will help ensure better coordination on the ground and reduce the chances of delays due to ground operations. Additionally, airport staff will be fully deployed at check-in counters during peak hours to facilitate smooth check-ins, ensuring that travellers are not left waiting unnecessarily. To keep passengers informed, Delhi airport has also installed LED screens at strategic locations to display real-time updates on visibility conditions.
As for airlines, many have issued travel advisories for passengers. Both IndiGo and SpiceJet, for instance, have warned travellers about the potential for delays due to fog and advised them to check their flight statuses before heading to the airport. This advice comes as flight operations were significantly disrupted at Delhi’s IGI Airport on January 2, with over 100 departing flights and dozens of arrivals delayed. FlightRadar24 reported that many flights faced delays of around 23 minutes, with some cancellations due to the thick fog that blanketed the region. While flight delays and cancellations can be frustrating, the government’s measures aim to make travel smoother and less stressful during the fog season. As passengers remain vigilant and airlines adhere to these new protocols, it is hoped that this winter will see fewer disruptions and more efficient air travel despite the challenges posed by dense fog.
