IGIA to become zero-diversionary by October: Committee

The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is set to become a zero-diversionary airport by October as the government is set to implement the recommendations set out by an expert committee which was formed to look into the matter.

According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, in a meeting held Thursday with all stakeholders including India Meteorological Department (IMD), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Delhi International Airport Pvt Ltd (DIAL), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), it was decided that various key recommendations on making Delhi a zero-diversionary airport should be implemented before October.

Data furnished by the ministry shows that during the last three winter seasons IGIA witnessed a total of 289 diversions due to fog and other technical reasons.

"It is expected that after the recommendations of the committee are implemented, the chances of diversions of flights at Delhi Airport will come down drastically," the ministry said in a statement.

Apart from recommendations on making Delhi a zero-diversionary airport, the committee also suggested procedures for dealing with stranded passengers in case of flight delays or diversions.