Foggy days ahead: How airlines are prepping to minimize delays

Passengers travelling through India's airports during the challenging fog season can expect improved operations this year as airlines and airports prepare early to minimize delays and cancellations, according to two people aware of the matter.

- Daanish Anand

While airlines such as IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet have stationed their category-III or CAT III-enabled aircraft which can operate in low visibility along with their crews in northern India, Delhi airport has chalked out plans to improve passenger experience during flight disruptions.

Passengers on flights that see delays of over three hours will be deboarded, addressing one of the biggest frustrations of passengers stuck in delayed aircraft.

In April, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) had asked airlines, airports and security agencies to return passengers to the terminal in case of long delays.

Every year, from December to February, thousands of flights are impacted by fog. In January 2024 alone, over 400 flights were delayed, with many being cancelled or diverted due to dense fog.

On 29 November, aviation minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu reviewed the situation and directed officials to ensure real-time coordination between air traffic control, airlines, ground handlers and airport operators to maintain seamless operations.