Publish flight delay information in real time, inform passengers: DGCA issues SOP to airlines in case operations are disrupted due to fog

In view of massive flight cancellations and delays at various airports including Delhi airport due to fog and adverse weather conditions, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DCGA) has issued a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for airlines.

Airlines will have to mandatorily follow the SOP with immediate effect and it has been issued in public interest.

The aviation watchdog said airlines should publish accurate real-time information regarding delays to their flights. According to a release, airline staff at airports should have proper sensitization to properly communicate and continuously guide and inform passengers about flight delays.

“In view of the prevailing foggy season and adverse weather conditions, airlines may cancel such flights sufficiently in advance where such conditions are likely to cause delays or result in delays exceeding a period of 3 hours, with a view to minimize congestion. There is a possibility of. Minimize airport and passenger inconvenience,” it added.

According to the official release, DGCA has issued Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section-3, Series M Part IV “Facilities to be provided by airlines to passengers in case of denial of boarding, cancellation of flights and delay in flights. “

Airlines have also been asked to publish reference to CARs on flight tickets. The CAR facility has been issued by the DCGA to ensure appropriate protection to air passengers in case of flight disruption and, in particular, passengers booked on flights without proper notice to boarders, flight cancellations and delays. Can be denied.

The SOP mentioned in the release further states:

• Airlines will be required to publish accurate real-time information regarding delays in their flights, which will be published on the respective website of the airline and advance notice to the affected passengers through SMS/Whatsapp and email.
• Display of updated information regarding flight delays to passengers waiting at airports.
• Proper sensitization of airline staff at airports to properly communicate with passengers and constantly guide and inform passengers about the flight.

The release said that in cases of extraordinary circumstances which are beyond the control of the airline, the provisions of the above CAR are not applicable.

Just hours before this, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had said that all stakeholders are working round the clock to minimize fog-related disruptions in flight operations.

Center asks DIAL to operate CAT III B runways

The Center on Monday directed Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) to immediately operationalize IGIA’s main CAT III B runway – 28/10, as heavy and unprecedented fog continues to cause flight disruptions across the country, especially over North India. Is.

The CAT IIIB system facilitates precision approach and landing under specific visibility conditions, typically not less than 50 feet (15 m) and a visual range of not less than 200 m, but not less than 50 m.

Flights disrupted due to fog in Delhi