Mumbai, Oct. 28 -- The Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked airlines and airports to strengthen fog-season preparedness and passenger facilitation ahead of the 2026-27 winter period.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has directed airlines, airports and aviation agencies to strengthen preparedness for the upcoming fog season, with a focus on minimising passenger inconvenience through timely communication, operational coordination and enhanced passenger assistance.
At the first fog preparedness meeting for the 2026-27 winter season, chaired by Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, on Tuesday, stakeholders were asked to ensure safe and efficient flight operations during periods of low visibility while maintaining high standards of passenger facilitation.
Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed the meeting that the fog season is expected to extend from December 15, 2026, to February 15, 2027, according to a government release.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was directed to ensure regulatory oversight, compliance with relevant instructions, verification of aircraft and crew preparedness, and effective passenger facilitation measures by airlines.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and airport operators were instructed to ensure the readiness of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), Runway Visual Range (RVR) equipment, airside safety infrastructure, adequate terminal capacity and coordinated airport operations during low-visibility conditions.
Airlines were asked to ensure the availability of qualified crew and certified aircraft for low-visibility operations, prepare realistic flight schedules and take timely operational decisions. The ministry emphasised that passengers must receive prompt updates regarding delays, cancellations and revised departure timings through SMS, mobile applications and email to prevent unnecessary travel to airports.
IMD was tasked with providing accurate weather forecasts, regular observations and timely dissemination of weather information to support operational planning. Air traffic control and air navigation service providers were directed to ensure safe aircraft sequencing, adherence to low-visibility procedures and coordinated traffic management during fog-related disruptions.
The role of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in ensuring smooth passenger movement, including terminal re-entry and re-boarding where necessary, was also reviewed.
Special emphasis was placed on passenger facilitation during prolonged delays and cancellations. Airlines were directed to ensure adequate staffing at check-in counters, customer helpdesks and passenger support facilities. The Secretary stressed that airport helpline counters should be staffed with informed and empowered personnel capable of effectively addressing passenger concerns.
Among those attending the meeting were Vir Vikram Yadav, Director General, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA); Puneet Kansal, Chairman, Airports Authority of India (AAI); senior officials from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and India Meteorological Department (IMD), along with representatives of Delhi Airport, other fog-affected airports and airlines.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Infrastructure Today.