Aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu irged airlines to ensure passenger convenience and safety amid the ongoing poor weather conditions in Delhi. He urged airlines to ensure proper communication with passengers regarding flight cancellations.
Fog conditions in Delhi Airport prompt civil aviation ministry response. (Photo credit: X/@MoCA_GoI/ @theidlethinker)
New Delhi: Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu asked airlines to avoid operating airlines late by more than 3 hours, urging a passenger-centric approach. While chairing a meeting on aviation approach to fog, Naidu said the CAT 3 ILS system had been activated on 3 out of 4 runways at Delhi Airport.
Chaired a high-level meeting today to ensure Delhi Airport is ready for the winter season. With a passenger-centric approach, Our preparations for winter challenges are on track. pic.twitter.com/89xPO8ZxSA
Owing to the poor visibility conditions in the national capital, 14 flights were diverted at Delhi airport. Several flights also stood delayed owing to poor weather conditions.
CAT 3 pilots and protocol deployed
The airlines have also shared that they were adhering to DGCA guidelines and CAT 3 pilots had been deployed in line with the current weather requirements. Cat 3 pilots are trained to steer an aircraft during poor visibility conditions. Delhi Airport was also directed to install LED screens for real-time flight updates Follow me vehicles meant to guide jets during low visibility should also be increased, the DGCA said.
Passengers must be kept informed about flight delays owing to poor weather conditions impacting visibility. Flights delayed by more than 3 hours should be cancelled, the DGCA said. To ensure on-point communication, the minister urged airlines to ensure the accuracy of details recorded at the time of ticket booking. Airlines must ensure adequate staffing at check-in counters for passenger convenience, he added.
There must be real-time coordination between ATC, airline, ground handlers and airport operators, the GCA said, citing the aviation minister. The meeting was attended nu the civil aviation secretary, as well as senior officials from the civil aviation ministry, the DGCA, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Safety, the Indian Meteorological Department, and the Delhi airport operator. Airline representatives were also in attendance, according to the DGCA’s statement.
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