Dense fog, zero visibility in Delhi; Airlines asked to stick to advisory

A day after 362 flights were delayed at IGI Airport due to weather and other issues, DGCA  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 yesterday, the Delhi Airport put out.

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 yesterday.

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 with proper coordination with dedicated teams of IMD, DIAL, DGCA and AAI.

"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. Besides, only CAT III aircraft to be scheduled during fog period along with CAT III qualified flight crew including the co-pilot as per visibility/ runway visual range (RVR)," the DGCA said.

The DGCA has also directed the airlines to reschedule non CAT III aircraft between 10 AM to 8 PM.

Observing that at no stage of the LVP, RVR on both the runways had gone below 125 meter yesterday, the DGCA said, "During the LVP period, there were three diversions one each of Air India, Air India Express and SpiceJet. Further there had been 38 cancellations (24 departures and 14 arrivals) and 362 delays with 179 departures and 183 arrivals.