Airlines advised to sensitize OCCs, war room representatives for better coordination during fog season

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has conducted a series of consultations over the past two months with airlines, airport operators, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to ensure preparedness for the fog season.

Focus is being given on streamlining the travel experience, reducing delays, and offering a smoother, more efficient journey for passengers, including during peak travel times affected by weather disruptions such as fog.

Airlines are instructed to proactively communicate with passengers about potential delays/cancellations due to visibility issues. For this, Airlines and booking agents to ensure that correct passenger contact information is recorded during ticket booking, a PIB report read.

Airlines have also been reminded of earlier instructions to cancel upcoming flights if the delay exceeds three hours.

DGCA has sensitized Online Ticketing Agents (OTAs) for better and clearer communication with passengers who are booked with them for smoother experience and convenience.

The Ministry has advised airlines to sensitize their Operations Control Centers (OCCs) and war-room representatives for closer coordination during adverse weather conditions, especially fog, the report added.

AAl has implemented new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for efficient Wide Area Traffic Management. These SOPs are designed to effectively regulate air traffic at fog-affected airports and at the originating or destination airports.