New Delhi — The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a directive on Wednesday requiring all carriers to notify passengers of flight delays and cancellations via SMS, email, and mobile apps before they leave for the airport. This move targets the predictable chaos of the winter fog season, which the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts will persist from December 15, 2026, to February 15, 2027. The goal is simple: stop thousands of passengers from making wasted trips to terminals only to find their flights grounded due to low visibility.
At the first fog preparedness meeting, DGCA Director General Vir Vikram Yadav and AAI Chairman Puneet Kansal reviewed operational readiness. Airlines must now staff help desks and helplines with personnel specifically trained to handle disruption queries. They also must deploy adequate ground staff for baggage handling and aircraft turnarounds, ensuring that when fog lifts, operations can resume without the usual logistical bottleneck.
Infrastructure readiness played a central role in the discussions. The Airports Authority of India and individual airport operators were directed to verify that Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Runway Visual Range (RVR) equipment are fully operational. Air Traffic Control units must strictly follow low-visibility procedures, coordinating aircraft movements to prevent airspace congestion while maintaining safety margins. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and Central Industrial Security Force officials were also present to review terminal re-entry and re-boarding protocols for stranded passengers.
The directive addresses a recurring pain point for travelers in fog-affected hubs like Delhi and Amritsar. By mandating proactive communication, the ministry aims to reduce the burden on airport staff and minimize the financial and time costs associated with missed connections and stranded luggage. Airlines face strict regulatory oversight for non-compliance, with the DGCA tasked with verifying crew and aircraft preparedness for these specific weather conditions.
As December 15 approaches, carriers are expected to finalize their communication algorithms and staffing rosters. Passengers are advised to monitor their mobile apps and email inboxes for real-time status updates rather than relying solely on airport displays. The next phase of monitoring will begin in early December as IMD refines its visibility forecasts for the major northern airports.