The Annual Event of Fog in Delhi
Every winter in Delhi brings the perennial issue of fog, a yearly tradition that lasts extensively this season. This recurring phenomenon has caused numerous disruptions from the delay of flights and trains to accidents on roads, generating a lot of frustrations. Adding to the anticipated effects, we’ve observed some unexpected outcomes like a distressed passenger assaulting a pilot following an additional delay announcement or travelers consuming their meal on the runway in a demonstration of protest. All news is from Reader Wall.
Government Actions
The government confronted the issue by providing the airline with a show-cause notice. In addition, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Safety imposed hefty penalties on both the airline and the airport where the unusual runway meal took place as a deterrence to such dangerous actions. While these measures might convey the government’s vigilance, they fall short of addressing the actual problem. The root issue lies in the inability of the Met department to offer reliable short-term forecasts for fog incidents.
Fog Predictions
If the Met department could more effectively anticipate the arrival and lifting of fog, airlines could better adjust their schedules. However, we’re still a long way from fully understanding fog and the contributing factors. Additionally, we’re lacking technology for flying in low visibility. Instrument landing systems are available, but both the runway and the planes need to have the capacity for low-visibility landings.
Technical Requirements
Even though India’s airports have up to CAT III B capability, more advanced systems that utilize GPS, with minor error corrections from other earth stations and geostationary satellites, are still under deployment. The country has developed its GAGAN or GPS-aided, Geo Augmented Navigation System, but only a handful of aircraft are equipped to use this technology.
Improvements Needed for Passengers
Changes to aviation rules are necessary to lessen the inconveniences endured by passengers. Airlines should prioritize passenger comfort and make slight adjustments to their stiff rules. For instance, when flights are grounded by fog, passengers currently endure hours in the confined space of the plane. Instead, they should be permitted to return back to the airport holding area before their flights resume.
Rule Modifications
The current rules do not permit passengers to return to the airport through the same route they boarded the plane, causing inconvenience during reboarding. Relaxed rules for contingencies, such as fog and engine trouble, could resolve this problem and allow passengers to stay in waiting areas equipped with refreshment facilities, restrooms, and sufficient space for relaxing.
Technologies and Conduct of Operations
Quickly evolving technologies in the automobile industry that are enabling driverless cars to navigate during rush-hour can benefit aviation operations. The aviation sector could incorporate some of these innovations to assist taxiing aircraft. Ensuring readiness of all planes and airport runways to adopt GAGAN and future advanced technologies would help to mitigate disruptions due to fog. As these technological solutions are better prepared, alterations to rules and operational conduct could significantly alleviate flight delays and related stresses.
Learning from Advanced Economies
In advanced economies, flight operations proceed smoothly despite far worse weather conditions, including zero visibility. In the interest of the comfort and satisfaction of its passengers, the Indian aviation industry should strive towards this level of efficiency and resilience in the face of fog-related disruptions.
Continued reporting on this important issue will be delivered by Reader Wall.
