Is the Sky Clearing Up for Air Passengers? DGCA Releases New SOPs Amidst Aviation Chaos. (PTI File Photo)
DGCA introduces new SOPs after airport chaos. Indigo and CSMIA face penalties. Delhi’s CAT III runway progress amid fog disruptions.
In a recent turn of events, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released fresh Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as air travel faces turbulence due to dense fog and disruptions at Delhi’s airport.
The ministry and DGCA’s swift actions come in response to viral videos depicting passengers stranded on the tarmac, casting a shadow on Indigo Airlines and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
SOPs Released by DGCA
Real-time Information Circulation:
- Airlines to publish accurate flight delay information on their websites.
- Advance notification to affected passengers via SMS, WhatsApp, and email.
- Display updated delay information at airports.
- Sensitize airline staff to communicate effectively with passengers.
Proactive Flight Cancellations:
- Airlines may cancel flights anticipated to be delayed for more than 3 hours due to adverse weather conditions.
- Aimed at preventing airport congestion and mitigating passenger inconvenience.
Reporting and Monitoring:
- Incidence reporting thrice daily for all six metro airports.
- Vigilant monitoring and reporting of DGCA directives, SOPs, and Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs).
Emergency ‘War Rooms’:
- Establishment of ‘War Rooms’ at the six metro airports to address passenger inconvenience promptly.
- Ensuring round-the-clock availability of sufficient CISF manpower.
Show Cause Notices to Indigo and CSMIA:
In response to the chaotic scenes, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) issued show cause notices to Indigo Airlines and CSMIA, Mumbai. Failure to respond may result in financial penalties.
Delhi’s CAT III Runway Progress:
Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, shared on Twitter the progress made at Delhi Airport. Runway 29L has become CAT III operational, allowing landings in low visibility. Efforts are underway to make the third runway CAT III compliant.
Passenger Compensation Woes:
Despite the CAR, passengers face issues in receiving refunds and proper communication from airlines in case of disruptions. The ministry emphasizes adherence to guidelines on compensations for delayed or canceled flights.
As fog continues to disrupt flight operations in North India, the aviation sector faces challenges, and these new SOPs aim to provide clarity and assistance to passengers during adverse weather conditions. Will these measures be enough to weather the storm? Only time will tell.
