DGCA asks airlines to stick to fog advisory

New Delhi: A day after 362 flights were delayed at IGI Airport due to weather and other issues, the DGCA on Thursday directed domestic airlines to adhere to its advisory on operating aircraft in low visibility, making it clear that no flights be planned during zero visibility and only CAT III aircraft be scheduled in fog.

The aviation regulator has also directed the airlines to reschedule non CAT III aircraft between 10 am to 8 pm.

While the regulator observed that 38 flights, including 24 departures, were also cancelled and three flights diverted during the low visibility period at IGIA on Wednesday, DIAL in its statement said only 24 flights were delayed because of weather and 34 cancelled during low visibility period due to “other reasons”. It had also said that no flight was cancelled during the low visibility period on Wednesday.

In a communication to all airline heads and Delhi Airport authorities, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said, “Once again all are directed to obey (its) instructions in letter and spirit.” As per the communication, DGCA has asked the airlines to “closely monitor and plan the flights as per weather forecast. “In case of low visibility/fog forecast exists, flights not to be planned for Delhi during zero visibility conditions and flights may be scheduled from point of origin,” the DGCA said.