In response to the recent surge in dense fog affecting Delhi and the northern part of India, Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia has announced a series of measures to mitigate the impact on air travel. In an interview with news agency PTI, Minister Scindia highlighted the intensity of this year’s fog, describing it as a transitory phenomenon that has persisted for an extended period.
Scindia emphasized that the fog issue is an annual occurrence lasting around 15-20 days, but this year’s fog has been unusually intense for the past three or four days. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is actively collaborating with Delhi airport and airlines to implement strategies aimed at easing congestion and minimizing flight disruptions.
One crucial aspect of the ministry’s approach is ensuring that airlines have trained pilots for low visibility conditions. Minister Scindia revealed that efforts are underway to coordinate with all airlines to ensure they deploy Category II (CAT II) and Category III (CAT III) trained pilots during fog hours. CAT II and III certifications are essential for the operation of flights in challenging visibility conditions.
About Minister Scindia Takes Action in Delhi:
The need for such measures became evident on December 29 when at least 100 flights were delayed, and a few were canceled due to low visibility at the Delhi airport. This disruption prompted airlines to advise passengers to monitor flight statuses through airline websites. Additionally, several flights had to be diverted to manage the challenging weather conditions.
The aviation industry faces unique challenges during periods of intense fog, impacting flight schedules, passenger travel plans, and overall airport operations. Minister Scindia’s proactive approach, including coordination with airlines and airports, signifies a commitment to addressing these challenges and enhancing the resilience of the aviation sector.
As the ministry continues to implement measures to tackle the fog-related disruptions, passengers are encouraged to stay informed about their flight status through official airline channels. The collaborative efforts between the Civil Aviation Ministry, Delhi airport, and airlines aim to navigate through this weather challenge, ensuring safer and more efficient air travel despite the persistent fog conditions.