Delhi Flight Delays: Aviation Minister Takes Note, Shares Plan To Tackle Issue

Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia shared plans to mitigate fog-related delays at Delhi airport.

Jyotiraditya Scindia shared plans to mitigate fog-related delays at Delhi airport.

Source : Getty Images

Union civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday said that the Delhi airport has been asked to expedite the operationalisation of the CAT III-enabled 4th runway to mitigate the fog-related delays. The minister also said the DGCA will issue an SOP for airlines on better communication and facilitation of passengers to minimise discomfort in view of flight cancellations & delays due to adverse weather

"To mitigate the situation in future, Delhi Airport has been asked to immediately expedite the operationalization of the CAT III-enabled 4th runway (in addition to the existing CAT III-enabled runway) to the satisfaction of the DGCA, in order to get approvals," Scindia said in a post on X. 

On Sunday, a total of 10 flights were diverted, nearly 100 delayed, and some cancelled at the Delhi airport as dense fog lowered the visibility disrupting operations. 

Yesterday, Delhi witnessed unprecedented fog wherein visibility fluctuated for several hours, and at times, dropped to zero between 5 AM to 9 AM.

The authorities, therefore, were compelled to enforce a shut-down of operations for some time even on CAT III runways (CAT III…

— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) January 15, 2024

Scindia also said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation will issue a standard operating procedure (SOP) for airlines on improved communication and minimise discomfort for the passengers in view of flight cancellations and delays stemmed from adverse weather. 

"It is my earnest request to all travellers to bear with us during this difficult period. All stakeholders are trying their best to minimize passenger inconvenience," Scindia said. 

He also condemned unruly behaviour by the passengers calling it "unacceptable" saying it will be dealt with strongly in line with the existing legal provisions. 

Scindia made the comment after a passenger on an IndiGo flight violently attacked the plane's pilot as he was issuing a delay announcement.