Airlines Must Inform Flight Delays

Aviation Minister Mandates Transparency in Flight Delays

Proactive Measures for Fog Season
With the onset of fog season expected in early December, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has directed airlines to implement robust measures to minimize passenger inconvenience. These aviation flight delay measures include real-time communication about delays, enhanced staffing at check-in counters, and proper facilitation for stranded passengers.

During a review meeting with stakeholders on Wednesday, the minister emphasized the importance of preparedness to handle visibility-related challenges effectively.

Focus on Real-Time Passenger Updates

Airlines have been instructed to proactively inform passengers about potential flight delays or cancellations caused by poor visibility conditions. Ensuring accurate contact information at the time of ticket booking has been made a priority to avoid communication gaps.

As per the ministry’s directive, flights delayed for over three hours must be canceled to prevent prolonged inconvenience to passengers. Additionally, passengers will be permitted to deplane and exit through airport departure gates during long delays, in compliance with guidelines issued earlier this year.

Enhanced Airport Facilities

To improve passenger experience during disruptions, the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) has been advised to:

• Install LED screens at key locations to provide real-time visibility updates.
• Increase the availability of “Follow Me” vehicles to assist aircraft navigation in low-visibility conditions.
• Ensure coordination between Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs), airlines, and ground handlers for seamless operations.

Three of the four runways at Delhi airport are equipped with CAT III Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), which enable flight operations even in low-visibility conditions. Airlines are required to deploy CAT II/III compliant aircraft and trained pilots at Delhi and other fog-prone airports.

Passenger-Centric Approach Stressed

The Civil Aviation Minister has reiterated the need for a passenger-first approach during disruptions. Airlines must ensure that all check-in counters are fully staffed to reduce waiting times and provide clear guidance to travelers.

Proper facilitation, including smooth re-entry for passengers stranded due to weather or technical delays, is essential. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued a circular to simplify re-boarding procedures, further minimizing passenger inconvenience.

A drill involving all stakeholders, including airport operators and airlines, is being conducted to ensure preparedness for implementing these measures during the fog season.

 

Recent Weather-Related Disruptions

The importance of these aviation flight delay measures was highlighted earlier this week when severe weather conditions in Delhi led to significant disruptions. Poor visibility resulted in at least 15 flight diversions and over 100 delays.

Such incidents underline the need for stringent measures to handle fog-related challenges at the country’s busiest airport and other affected locations.

CAT II/III Compliance for Safety

To ensure uninterrupted flight operations during low visibility, airlines have been directed to strictly adhere to DGCA guidelines regarding CAT II/III compliance. This includes deploying pilots trained for low-visibility landings and ensuring aircraft are equipped with advanced navigation systems.

CAT II/III compliance allows for safer landings and takeoffs under challenging weather conditions, significantly reducing delays and cancellations during foggy periods.

Collaborative Efforts for Seamless Operations

Real-time coordination between key stakeholders is critical for mitigating travel disruptions. Naidu stressed the importance of active collaboration among Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs), airlines, ground handlers, and airport operators to ensure efficient handling of delays and cancellations.

This comprehensive approach aims to reduce passenger inconvenience while maintaining operational efficiency during the fog season.

Ministry’s Commitment to Passenger Welfare

The Civil Aviation Ministry has assured the public that preparations for managing visibility-related challenges are on track. By addressing bottlenecks and implementing new protocols, the ministry aims to ensure a smoother travel experience for passengers this winter.

With the new aviation flight delay measures, authorities hope to build greater transparency and trust between airlines and passengers, setting a higher standard for passenger care during disruptions.

Way Forward

These proactive steps reflect the government’s commitment to improving air travel experiences. By mandating communication transparency and enhancing airport infrastructure, the Civil Aviation Ministry is setting a precedent for better handling of weather-related disruptions.

Passengers are encouraged to stay informed through airline notifications and airport updates, especially during the fog season. Airlines, meanwhile, must adhere to the guidelines to ensure safety, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction.

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