Increased Reporting, 'War Rooms', And More: Scindia's Six-Point Plan To Tackle Foggy Flight Delays

Amid fog-related flight disruptions, the civil aviation ministry has asked Delhi, Mumbai and four other metro airports to report about incidents three times a day and these airports as well as airlines will also set up 'war rooms' to address passenger issues.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said it will also be ensured that there is sufficient CISF manpower availability round-the-clock at the airports.

In the last few days, there were incidents of a passenger assaulting an IndiGo pilot at the Delhi airport and passengers of an IndiGo flight sitting on the tarmac of the Mumbai airport amid long flight delays due to fog.

Against this backdrop, aviation regulator DGCA on Monday issued a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) after Scindia said all stakeholders are working round-the-clock to minimise fog-related disruptions.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Scindia said the ministry has sought ''incidence reporting thrice daily for all the six metro airports.'' Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata are the metro airports.

'War rooms' will be set up by airports and airline operators at the six metro airports to address any issues with regard to passenger inconvenience with immediacy.

Here's the lowdown on Scindia's six-point plan:

• New SOPs: Airlines received a fresh set of standard operating procedures focused on keeping passengers informed and comfortable during delays and cancellations.Daily Reports: The central government is keeping its finger on the pulse with daily reports from all six metro airports, ensuring close monitoring of the situation.
• 'War Rooms': To swiftly address passenger concerns, airports and airlines will set up dedicated control centers at all six metros.
• More CISF Muscle: Round-the-clock presence of Central Industrial Security Force personnel will boost security and passenger assistance during disruptions.
• Delhi Runway Boost: Indira Gandhi International Airport's Runway 29L is now equipped for take-offs and landings even in dense fog, thanks to its upgraded CAT III status.
• Reviving Old Runway: The airport's oldest runway, Runway 10/28, is also getting a CAT III makeover, soon rejoining the fight against fog-induced delays.

Scindia also said the implementation of DGCA directives and SOPs will be monitored and reported regularly.