Parliament Question: Disruptions of Flights by Fog

**Executive Summary** This document is an answer provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation in response to questions raised in Lok Sabha regarding disruptions of flights due to fog. It outlines the measures taken by the government and associated agencies to mitigate the impact of fog on flight operations, enhance passenger experience, and ensure preparedness. Key initiatives include consultations with stakeholders, issuance of SOPs and operational circulars, and the establishment of a 24x7 Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR). **Key Points / Main Content** * **Consultations and Stakeholders:** * The Ministry of Civil Aviation has held meetings with key stakeholders, including DGCA, BCAS, IMD, IAF, airline operators, AAI, and private aerodrome operators. * The purpose of these consultations was to assess preparedness for low visibility operations. * **Mitigation Measures:** * Key measures identified include: * Advance operational planning. * Deployment of suitably equipped aircraft and trained flight crew. * Enhanced coordination among stakeholders. * Timely dissemination of weather information. * Adherence to low visibility procedures. * The objective is to mitigate fog-related disruptions and ensure smooth flight operations. * **Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Guidelines:** * The Ministry and DGCA have issued directions in the form of SOPs to all scheduled airlines for handling situations arising out of adverse weather conditions. * AAI has issued a fog preparedness manual for guidance and implementation at AAI airports. * DGCA has issued Operational Circular (OC) 03 of 2025 regarding a comprehensive framework for preparedness, all-weather operations, and passenger facilitation. * **Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR):** * The Ministry has established a permanent, 24x7 PACR to enhance passenger-centric governance. * The PACR integrates MoCA, DGCA, AAI, and airlines for real-time monitoring of flight disruptions, baggage issues, and refunds. * It aims to accelerate grievance redressal and improve the overall travel experience. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Airlines** * **Impact**: Airlines must adhere to SOPs issued by the Ministry and DGCA for handling adverse weather conditions. * **Action Required**: Implement the SOPs and ensure flight crew are adequately trained to handle low-visibility operations. **Stakeholder: Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Private Aerodrome Operators** * **Impact**: AAI is responsible for implementing the fog preparedness manual at its airports, and both AAI and private operators must ensure readiness for low visibility operations. * **Action Required**: Implement the fog preparedness manual and ensure all necessary equipment and procedures are in place. **Stakeholder: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)** * **Impact**: DGCA is responsible for overseeing and enforcing the implementation of regulations related to all-weather operations. * **Action Required**: Ensure the implementation of Operational Circular (OC) 03 of 2025 and monitor compliance with SOPs. **Stakeholder: Passengers** * **Impact**: Passengers benefit from improved preparedness for fog-related disruptions and enhanced grievance redressal mechanisms. * **Action Required**: Utilize the Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) to report flight disruptions, baggage issues, and refunds and provide feedback.

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