Lok Sabha Question No. 2142 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-12
Subject: Disruptions of Flights by Fog
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Naresh Ganpat Mhaske, Smt. Bharti Pardhi, Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Shri Ravindra Dattaram Waikar, Shri Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2142

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  12th February 2026 )

## DISRUPTIONS OF FLIGHTS BY FOG

2142.    SHRI NARESH GANPAT MHASKE SMT BHARTI PARDHI DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE SHRI RAVINDRA DATTARAM WAIKAR SHRI SHRIRANG APPA CHANDU BARNE Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government has consulted stakeholders to address flight operational challenges posed by fog during the winter season and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the key measures identified during these consultations to mitigate the fog-related disruptions of flights and ensure smooth operations;
- (c) the roles of agencies such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Airports Authority of India (AAI), India Meteorological  Department  (IMD)  and  Central  Industrial  Security  Force  (CISF)  in enhancing preparedness and collaboration for managing fog-related challenges;
- (d) the steps taken to integrate technological solutions and enhance coordination among stakeholders to minimise delays during fog; and
- (e) the manner in which these initiatives align with the 'Ease of Flying' objective and improve the passenger experience during adverse weather conditions?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION          (Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

(a)  to  (e):  Ministry  held  various  meetings  with  all  stakeholders  including  DGCA, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Air Force (IAF), airline operators, Airports Authority of India (AAI) & private aerodrome operators to assess preparedness for low visibility operations.

During  these  consultations,  key  measures  identified  include  advance  operational planning, deployment of suitably equipped aircraft and trained flight crew, enhanced coordination among stakeholders, timely dissemination of weather information, and adherence to low visibility  procedures, with  the  objective of  mitigating  fog-related disruptions and ensuring smooth flight operations.

Further, Ministry and DGCA has issued directions in the form of SOP to all scheduled airlines to handle situations arising out of adverse weather conditions. AAI has also issued fog preparedness manual for guidance and implementation at AAI airports.

Directorate  General of  Civil  Aviation  (DGCA)  has  issued  the  Operational  Circular (OC) 03 of 2025 in regard to a comprehensive framework for preparedness, all-weather operations & passenger facilitation.

Ministry  has  established  a  permanent,  24x7  Passenger  Assistance  Control  Room (PACR) to enhance passenger-centric governance. This initiative integrates MoCA, DGCA,  AAI,  and  airlines  for  real-time  monitoring  of  flight  disruptions,  baggage issues, and refunds, aiming to accelerate grievance redressal and improve the overall travel experience. Many passengers have expressed satisfaction that their grievances are acknowledged and resolved promptly, and have conveyed their appreciation.

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