Aviation minister urges airlines to cancel flights delayed over 3 hours
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Amid mounting concerns over flight disruptions caused by poor visibility, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has directed airlines to adopt a "passenger-centric approach" by promptly informing passengers about potential delays or cancellations and canceling flights delayed beyond three hours.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on fog preparedness, the minister highlighted measures to ensure smooth airport operations during the challenging winter months.
At Delhi Airport, three out of its four runways are now equipped with the advanced CAT III Instrument Landing System (ILS), which enables safe landings even under extremely low visibility conditions.
The announcement follows a series of flight disruptions earlier this week when 14 flights were diverted and numerous others delayed due to dense fog in the national capital.
In a statement, the Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed that airlines are adhering to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines by deploying CAT II/III-compliant aircraft and pilots at Delhi and other fog-prone airports. Airlines have been instructed to ensure passengers receive timely updates about flight schedules and cancellations and to cancel flights delayed by more than three hours.
The ministry also emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate passenger contact details during ticket bookings to facilitate effective communication.
To mitigate passenger inconvenience during winter fog, the Delhi Airport operator has been advised to install LED screens at key locations for real-time visibility updates. The availability of "Follow Me" vehicles, which guide aircraft during low visibility, is also being increased to enhance operational efficiency.
The minister further directed airlines and airport operators to ensure all check-in counters are fully staffed during peak hours to minimize delays and passenger discomfort.
"Our priority during any delay or cancellation is the proper facilitation of passengers," the minister stated. He reiterated the need for airlines and airport authorities to maintain operational efficiency while adhering to DGCA guidelines.