These measures aim to not only decrease cancellations and delays but also ensure passenger safety and convenience during unexpected situations.
Addressing concerns raised during a session in the Rajya Sabha, Minister Scindia emphasised the pivotal role of Civil Aviation Rules (CAR) in safeguarding passengers' rights during flight disruptions. According to CAR, airlines are obligated to promptly arrange alternate connecting flights in the event of cancellations occurring within 1-2 hours before departure.
Furthermore, airlines are accountable for providing accommodation, refunds, and arranging alternate flights if delays exceed 5 to 6 hours. Any violations reported to the Ministry of Civil Aviation are met with immediate and stringent actions against the defaulters.
Scindia also elucidated the comprehensive steps undertaken to combat the challenges posed by fog during the winter months. Gen. V. K. Singh (Retd), Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, highlighted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) proactive engagements with stakeholders before the onset of the fog season.
These measures encompass:
Special Audits and Inspections: Rigorous audits of CAT II/III ILS facilities ensure uninterrupted Air Navigation Services (ANS) during foggy conditions. Comprehensive inspections secure critical areas within aerodromes to maintain operational efficiency.
Airlines' Compliance Directives: Airlines are directed to modify flight schedules, restricting non-compliant aircraft during foggy periods. This directive also mandates the scheduling of qualified crew members, contributing significantly to smoother operations at affected airports.
Over the past two years, an escalated number of inspections and audits have significantly bolstered airport facilities and Air Navigation Services. Impressively, despite a substantial 20% surge in flights, the incidence of flight cancellations due to fog has plummeted from 0.09% to an exemplary 0.05% of total flight movements between 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.
Looking forward, the government aims to further enhance preparedness to combat fog-related disruptions through a series of strategic actions:
Regular Surveillance and Audits: Vigilant monitoring of various facilities, including aerodromes, Air Navigation Services, and meteorological equipment, ensures strict adherence to regulations.
Fog-Affected Airport Audits: Pre-fog season audits of fog-affected airports ensure uninterrupted air navigational services, secure aerodrome lighting, and other essential facilities.
Airlines' Pre-Fog Directives: Airlines will receive explicit directives before the fog season, including modifying flight schedules, deploying CAT II/III qualified crew, adhering to passenger handling norms during delays, and positioning Aircraft Maintenance Engineers at diversion airports.
