The Ministry of Civil Aviation, under the chairmanship of Secretary Shri Samir Kumar Sinha, held the first Fog Preparedness Meeting for the upcoming winter season on October 27, 2026. The meeting reviewed preparedness and coordination among stakeholders for the fog season spanning from December 15, 2026 to February 15, 2027, as forecasted by India Meteorological Department officials.
Key attendees included Director General of DGCA Shri Vir Vikram Yadav, Chairman of Airports Authority of India Shri Puneet Kansal, senior officials from Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Central Industrial Security Force, India Meteorological Department, along with representatives from Delhi Airport and other fog-affected airports and airlines.
The meeting focused on ensuring smooth airport operations and minimizing passenger inconvenience during fog-related disruptions through advance preparedness, timely communication, and effective coordination. Specific directives were issued to all stakeholders: DGCA was emphasized to ensure regulatory oversight, compliance verification of aircraft and crew preparedness, and passenger facilitation measures. Airports Authority of India and airport operators were directed to ensure readiness of Instrument Landing Systems and Runway Visual Range systems, airside safety, adequate terminal capacity, and operational coordination during low-visibility conditions.
Airlines were instructed to maintain availability of qualified crew and compliant aircraft for low visibility operations, plan realistic flight schedules, and make timely operational decisions. They were specifically directed to provide passengers with timely updates through SMS, mobile applications, and email regarding delays, cancellations, and revised departure times. India Meteorological Department was directed to ensure reliable weather forecasts, regular observations, and timely dissemination of weather updates.
Air Traffic Control and navigation service providers were instructed to ensure safe sequencing of air traffic, adherence to low-visibility procedures, and coordinated traffic management. The role of BCAS and CISF in ensuring safe passenger movement, including terminal re-entry and re-boarding, was discussed. Airlines were further directed to ensure ground handlers maintain adequate staffing, efficient baggage management, aircraft turnaround, and passenger assistance during disruptions.
Particular emphasis was placed on passenger facilitation during prolonged delays and cancellations, requiring adequate staffing at check-in counters, airline helpdesks, and customer care facilities. Secretary Sinha emphasized that airline helpline desks must be manned by informed and empowered personnel to address passenger queries effectively. The meeting underscored the collective objective of minimizing passenger inconvenience through coordinated efforts by all stakeholders during the upcoming fog season.