If you have a flight planned during the winter months, checking your flight status before leaving for the airport could become even more important. With fog expected to affect flight operations across parts of India, the Centre has asked airlines to keep passengers informed about delays, cancellations and changes to departure times well in advance.
Airlines Must Send Updates About Flight Delays And Cancellations
The Ministry of Civil Aviation held its first preparedness meeting for the upcoming fog season on October 27, reviewing measures to ensure safe flight operations and reduce inconvenience for passengers. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the fog season is expected to run from December 15, 2026, to February 15, 2027.
According to NDTV, as part of the preparations, airlines have been directed to notify passengers about flight delays, cancellations and revised departure times through SMS, email and mobile applications. The idea is to ensure that passengers can check their flight status before leaving for the airport, instead of finding out about a disruption after arriving there.
Airlines have also been asked to ensure that airport help desks and customer care facilities have enough staff to handle passenger queries. The personnel at these help desks should be well-informed and able to assist travellers when flight schedules change.
The ministry has further stressed that airlines must make timely decisions about flight operations, maintain realistic schedules and ensure that qualified crew members and aircraft suitable for low-visibility operations are available.
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Airports To Check Equipment And Safety Measures
Airlines are not the only ones being asked to prepare for the fog season. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and airport operators have been directed to ensure that essential systems are ready to handle low-visibility conditions.
This includes checking Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Runway Visual Range (RVR) systems, which help support flight operations when visibility is poor. Airport authorities must also maintain airside safety, ensure adequate terminal capacity and coordinate effectively to manage operations during disruptions.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will oversee regulatory compliance and check whether airlines have made the necessary arrangements for aircraft and crew readiness.
The IMD has also been asked to provide reliable weather forecasts and share updates on time so airlines and airport authorities can plan their operations accordingly. Air Traffic Control and air navigation service providers will follow low-visibility procedures and coordinate aircraft movements to maintain safe operations.
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For travellers, please keep an eye on messages from your airline and check the latest flight status before heading to the airport this winter. Fog-related disruptions may still occur, but timely updates and better preparedness could help passengers avoid unnecessary waiting and confusion.
Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/Nicholas Ang & Canva Pro/structuresxx
FAQs
Why has the Centre asked airlines to inform passengers about flight delays and cancellations?
The Centre has asked airlines to provide timely updates to passengers ahead of the winter fog season, when poor visibility can disrupt flight operations. The move aims to reduce inconvenience and help travellers plan their journeys better.
When will the fog season begin in India in 2026?
According to the India Meteorological Department, the fog season is expected to run from December 15, 2026, to February 15, 2027.
How will airlines notify passengers about flight delays and cancellations?
Airlines have been asked to communicate flight updates through SMS, email and their mobile applications so passengers can check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
