The Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked airlines and airport operators to strengthen operational readiness ahead of the 2026–27 winter fog season, with a focus on flight updates, low-visibility procedures and passenger assistance.
NEW DELHI, 28 October 2026: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has reviewed preparedness for the upcoming winter fog season and directed airlines and airport operators to strengthen operational arrangements to minimise flight disruptions and passenger inconvenience.
Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha chaired the first fog preparedness meeting for the 2026–27 winter season on Tuesday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the fog season is expected to run from 15 December 2026 to 15 February 2027.
Airlines Asked to Strengthen Operational Readiness
The Ministry directed airlines to ensure the availability of qualified crew and aircraft compliant with low-visibility operating requirements. Carriers have also been asked to prepare realistic flight schedules and take timely decisions on delays, cancellations and rescheduling.
Airlines must keep passengers informed about delays, cancellations and revised departure times through SMS, mobile applications and email. The objective is to ensure travellers receive adequate information before leaving for the airport.
The Ministry also emphasised the need for adequate staffing at check-in counters, airline helpdesks and customer care facilities, particularly during prolonged disruptions. Helpdesk personnel should be informed and empowered to address passenger queries effectively.
DGCA to Monitor Compliance and Passenger Assistance
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been asked to ensure regulatory compliance, verify aircraft and crew preparedness for low-visibility operations, and oversee passenger facilitation measures.
The Ministry also highlighted the importance of sufficient ground-handling staff, efficient baggage management and timely aircraft turnaround. Airlines have been directed to provide appropriate assistance to passengers affected by operational disruptions.
These measures are intended to improve coordination and minimise inconvenience when fog affects flight schedules during the winter months.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and airport operators have been directed to ensure the readiness of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Runway Visual Range (RVR) systems, which support flight operations in low-visibility conditions.
They must also maintain airside safety, ensure adequate terminal capacity and coordinate effectively to manage airport operations during fog.
The IMD has been asked to provide reliable forecasts, regular observations and timely weather updates to support operational planning. Air Traffic Control and air navigation service providers have been instructed to ensure safe aircraft sequencing, follow low-visibility procedures and coordinate traffic management.
Security Agencies and Airports to Coordinate Passenger Movement
The meeting also reviewed the roles of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in maintaining orderly passenger movement during disruptions, including arrangements for terminal re-entry and re-boarding where required.
The meeting was attended by DGCA Director General Vir Vikram Yadav, AAI Chairman Puneet Kansal, representatives of airlines and fog-affected airports, and officials from security and weather agencies.
The Ministry’s preparedness measures cover airline operations, airport infrastructure, weather forecasting, air traffic management and passenger assistance, with the aim of improving coordination throughout the winter fog season.
