Asia Press Agency

Tag: SOPs

  • Delhi Airport: 30 Flights Delays, 17 Cancellations

    Delhi Airport: 30 Flights Delays, 17 Cancellations

    As many as 30 flights departing from Delhi Airport have encountered delays, while an additional 17 have been canceled, attributing the disruptions to adverse weather conditions, according to airport sources reported to ANI on January 16. On Sunday, 10 flights were diverted, causing cancellations and delays, leading to extended waiting times for passengers. Social media platforms saw numerous expressions of concern from affected travelers.

     

    On January 15, five flights faced diversions at Delhi Airport due to ongoing bad weather conditions. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia held a crucial meeting with key government officials, directing them to enhance preparedness for unforeseen incidents. The meeting included representatives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), BCAS, and the Airport Authority of India (AAI).

     

    In response to these challenges, the DGCA issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for airlines to follow during flight delays and cancellations. The SOPs mandate airlines to publish real-time flight delay information on their websites, provide advance information to affected passengers via SMS, WhatsApp, and email, and display updated information at airports for waiting passengers. The emphasis is on sensitizing airline staff to effectively communicate with passengers about any disruptions.

     

    Considering the prevailing fog season and adverse weather conditions, airlines are advised to proactively cancel flights expected to be delayed beyond three hours to prevent airport congestion and minimize passenger inconvenience. All airlines are instructed to adhere to these guidelines with immediate effect.

     

    Low-visibility conditions have significantly disrupted flight operations at Delhi Airport. Minister Scindia assured that stakeholders are working tirelessly to minimize the impact of fog on operations and passenger inconvenience, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of unruly passenger behavior.

     

    To address visibility challenges, Delhi Airport’s operator, DIAL, has been directed to expedite the operationalization of the CAT III-enabled fourth runway. CAT III compliance allows flight operations in low-visibility conditions. The airport currently has four runways, with three operational and the fourth undergoing maintenance work. Operationalizing the CAT III-enabled fourth runway is urgently requested to meet DGCA approvals.

     

    Data from 5 am to 9 am indicates that the CAT-III Runway RWY 11R/29L managed 30 landings and 1 takeoff, while the non-CAT III Runway RWY 9/27 experienced no flight movement. RWY 11L/29R handled 2 takeoffs during the same period, according to the civil aviation ministry’s post on Monday.

     

    In response to diversions during dense fog in late December, the DGCA issued show-cause notices to Air India and SpiceJet for not deploying pilots trained for low-visibility conditions. The regulatory body actively addresses the issue to ensure the safe operation of flights in adverse weather conditions.

  • DGCA Issues SOPs to Airlines Amidst Flight Delays

    As the winter season sets in, dense fog and cold weather often lead to flight delays and cancellations, causing inconvenience to air travelers. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has taken note of the challenges posed by foggy conditions and has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to airlines to manage flight disruptions effectively.

     

    The new guidelines, outlined in the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section-3, Series M Part IV, specifically address the facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines in cases of denied boarding, flight cancellations, and delays. The DGCA has made it mandatory for airlines to publish the reference of these CAR regulations on flight tickets, ensuring that passengers are aware of their rights and the procedures to be followed.

     

    One of the key directives in the SOPs is related to the publication of accurate real-time information by airlines regarding flight delays. Passengers should have access to timely and transparent updates on the status of their flights, allowing them to plan their travel accordingly. This provision aims to enhance communication between airlines and passengers during periods of fog-induced disruptions.

     

    Furthermore, the DGCA has emphasized the importance of sensitizing airline staff at airports to effectively communicate with passengers facing delays. Foggy conditions can lead to increased stress and frustration among travelers, and it is crucial for airline personnel to handle such situations with patience and clarity. The guidelines stress the need for continuous guidance and information to be provided to passengers, keeping them informed about the developments related to their flights.

     

    In the context of adverse weather conditions, especially fog, airlines are advised to consider early cancellations of flights that are anticipated to be delayed for an extended period, exceeding three hours. This proactive approach is intended to prevent congestion at airports and minimize passenger inconvenience. By canceling flights in advance, airlines can manage schedules more efficiently and reduce the overall impact on travelers.

     

    The issuance of these SOPs comes at a time when several airports, including major hubs like Delhi, experience disruptions due to dense fog. The winter season often sees an increase in the frequency and intensity of fog, leading to challenges in aviation operations. Flight delays and cancellations can ripple through the entire air travel system, affecting passengers, airlines, and airport operations.

     

    The recent incident involving an IndiGo pilot being assaulted by a passenger highlights the stress and frustration that can escalate during flight delays. The passenger’s outburst was reportedly triggered by the announcement of a 13-hour delay. Such incidents underscore the importance of effective communication, transparency, and passenger management during challenging situations.

     

    Air travel is a critical mode of transportation, and disruptions can have cascading effects on passengers’ schedules and travel plans. The DGCA’s proactive approach in issuing SOPs demonstrates a commitment to addressing the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, particularly fog, and mitigating the impact on air travelers.

     

    In addition to the guidelines for airlines, the DGCA’s focus on financial resilience and transparency is aimed at safeguarding passengers’ rights. By ensuring that passengers are aware of the CAR regulations and the procedures for handling disruptions, the aviation authority aims to empower travelers and enable them to make informed decisions.

     

    As the winter season progresses, airlines operating in fog-prone regions are expected to adhere to these SOPs to minimize disruptions and provide a smoother travel experience for passengers. The collaborative efforts between the DGCA, airlines, and other stakeholders will play a crucial role in navigating the challenges posed by foggy weather and maintaining the efficiency and reliability of air travel services.