IndiGo Cancels Flights Due to Fog Forecast
IndiGo has announced the cancellation of 13 flights scheduled for Sunday due to anticipated dense fog and adverse weather conditions affecting several airports across India. Major cities impacted include Chandigarh, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi, with two additional services cancelled for operational reasons.
This decision follows a challenging week for the airline, during which it had also grounded 57 flights on Saturday citing similar weather-related issues. The ongoing cancellations are part of continuing operational challenges faced by IndiGo, which had previously suspended thousands of flights earlier this month due to stricter regulations regarding pilot duty and rest periods.
Air India Issues Travel Advisory
In response to the foggy conditions expected, Air India has also released a travel advisory cautioning passengers to prepare for possible delays and cancellations. The airline emphasized that flights in northern cities such as Amritsar and Varanasi may be particularly affected on Sunday morning.
Officials from Air India reassured customers by stating, “In the event of unexpected delays, diversions, or cancellations, please rest assured that our ground colleagues remain available to assist you.” Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to airports and to allow additional travel time.
Background on Fog Disruptions
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designated the period from December 10 to February 10 as the official “fog window” for this winter. This gives airlines and airports guidelines and procedures to follow during low-visibility conditions. Under the DGCA’s Category IIIB (CAT-IIIB) regulations, airlines must employ pilots specifically trained for low-visibility operations and deploy aircraft equipped for such conditions.
The CAT-III A and B systems allow aircraft to land even in dense fog, with Category III A permitting landings at a minimum visual range of 200 meters and Category III B allowing landings at ranges below 50 meters.
Operational Limitations for IndiGo
IndiGo, which had originally planned to operate 15,014 domestic flights weekly this winter, has faced a reduction in its capacity after the government imposed a 10% cut following widespread disruptions. Consequently, the airline is now limited to operating no more than 1,930 domestic flights per day.
This adjustment in capacity follows a chaotic earlier month where around 1,600 flights were cancelled in a single day due to pilot rest regulations. A four-member DGCA panel is currently investigating these operational disruptions, and its findings are awaited.
Government’s Response and Future Expectations
The DGCA has already submitted a report regarding IndiGo’s operational issues to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It is expected to provide insights into why domestic operations were so significantly disrupted compared to international services, which remained largely unaffected.
A spokesperson from the government stated, “The inquiry committee led by DGCA Joint Director General Sanjay K. Bramhane has submitted a confidential report, and once the probe is concluded, the government will take exemplary action against IndiGo.””, ”
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Aircraft scheduling and management during winter months can be particularly complex, necessitating airlines to adjust etheir operating plans to align with weather forecasts and regulatory requirements. Industry experts note that clear communication during such times is vital for passenger satisfaction.
Potential Passenger Reactions
Travelers are understandably concerned about the impact of cancellations and delays on their holiday plans. Many have expressed frustration on social media platforms, highlighting the importance of timely updates from airlines.
One frequent flyer remarked, “It’s frustrating when you plan a trip and then find out your flight has been cancelled at the last minute. Airlines need to provide better information ahead of time.” These sentiments reflect a broader concern within the aviation industry about maintaining customer trust during operational disruptions.
Concluding Notes
As airlines brace for the expected fog chaos, passengers are urged to stay informed about changes to flight schedules. Both IndiGo and Air India have advised travelers to stay updated and check their flight status frequently.
The operational changes and advisories come as a reminder of the ongoing complexities of air travel during adverse weather conditions and the importance of regulatory compliance in maintaining safety and efficiency in air transport.