Fog Season Alert: Govt Tells Airlines to Prepare for Delays, Cancellations and Low Visibility

With winter fog expected to disrupt flight operations across India, the government has directed airlines to ensure adequate trained crew, aircraft equipped for low-visibility operations and realistic flight schedules to reduce inconvenience to passengers.

The fog season is expected to run from December 15, 2026, to February 15, 2027, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Ahead of the period, the Civil Aviation Ministry held a preparedness meeting on Tuesday with airlines, airport operators and aviation agencies to review arrangements for handling possible disruptions.

Airlines have been instructed to make timely decisions about flight operations and ensure that passengers receive regular updates on delays, cancellations and revised departure times through SMS, mobile applications and email.

The ministry has also asked airlines to ensure that ground handlers have enough staff to manage baggage efficiently and speed up aircraft turnaround. Airport help desks must be staffed by informed personnel who can answer passengers’ questions and provide assistance when flights are disrupted.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been asked to monitor compliance with safety regulations, verify aircraft and crew readiness, and ensure that airlines follow passenger-assistance requirements.

Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India and airport operators must ensure that Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Runway Visual Range (RVR) equipment are ready for use. These systems help pilots and air traffic controllers manage landings and take-offs when visibility is poor. Airports have also been asked to maintain airside safety, adequate terminal capacity and smooth coordination.

The IMD has been asked to provide reliable forecasts and circulate weather updates promptly to help airlines and airports plan operations. Air traffic controllers and air navigation service providers must follow low-visibility procedures and coordinate aircraft movements safely.

Additional staffing arrangements are also planned for check-in counters, airline help desks and customer care services.

The meeting was chaired by Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and attended by representatives of the IMD, Delhi airport, airlines, the DGCA, the Airports Authority of India, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the Central Industrial Security Force.

The ministry said the aim is to reduce passenger inconvenience through advance planning, timely information, clear operational decisions and effective assistance during the winter fog season.