The Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Civil Aviation met in New Delhi to discuss ‘Fog Planning.’ Chaired by Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the meeting included Minister of State of Civil Aviation General (Retd.) Dr. V.K. Singh, Hon’ble Members of Parliament, and officers from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, Airports Authority of India, and related organizations.
Shri Scindia highlighted the pro-active approach of the Ministry, DGCA, and AAI, resulting in a significant decline in flight cancellations and diversions during the fog period. Despite a 22% increase in the number of aircraft movements in the past two years, the rate of cancellations decreased from 0.09% in 2021-22 to 0.05% in 2022-23. Similarly, flight diversions declined from 58 in 2021-22 to 14 in 2022-23 from the 8 main fog-prone airports.
The Minister explained that fog is a weather phenomenon affecting flight operations, particularly in the northern parts of India during the winter season. The period between December 10th and February 10th each year is considered the fog period. DGCA annually ensures that airlines and aerodrome operators prepare for fog conditions in advance to minimize disruptions in services.
Shri Scindia mentioned that 4804 flight crew qualified for CAT II/III conditions are available, including 2979 Captains and 1825 Co-pilots. Six airports have CAT III landing facilities, enabling flights to land with low runway visual range. CAT I capability will be enabled in 8 airports, and facilities will be upgraded from CAT I to CAT II in 4 airports.
During the fog period, airlines are directed to adjust flight schedules to eliminate non-CAT II/CAT III compliant aircraft from operation. Airlines are also instructed to ensure the scheduling of CAT II/CAT III qualified crew suitably. Hon’ble Members of Parliament commended the Ministry’s initiatives to prepare for fog conditions, minimizing disruptions in services, and provided valuable suggestions in this regard.