Airlines, airports and aviation authorities directed to strengthen low-visibility operations, improve passenger communication and ensure efficient assistance during the December 2026–February 2027 fog season.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has held its first fog preparedness meeting for the upcoming winter season, focusing on operational readiness, inter-agency coordination and measures to minimise passenger inconvenience during fog-related flight delays, cancellations and rescheduling.

Chaired by Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, the meeting brought together senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), India Meteorological Department (IMD), airlines and representatives of Delhi Airport and other fog-affected airports.

According to the IMD, the fog season is expected to run from 15 December 2026 to 15 February 2027. The meeting focused on ensuring safe flight operations while improving the passenger experience during periods of reduced visibility.

Key Highlights

• Fog season dates: 15 December 2026 to 15 February 2027, as forecast by the IMD.
• Airport readiness: Airports have been directed to ensure the operational readiness of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Runway Visual Range (RVR) systems.
• Airline preparedness: Airlines must ensure qualified crew, compliant aircraft and realistic flight schedules for low-visibility operations.
• Timely passenger updates: Flight delays, cancellations and revised departure times should be communicated through SMS, mobile applications and email.
• Improved passenger assistance: Airlines must maintain adequately staffed check-in counters, helpdesks and customer care facilities.
• Weather and air traffic coordination: The IMD, air traffic control authorities and airport operators will coordinate forecasts, traffic sequencing and low-visibility procedures.
• Ground handling and baggage management: Adequate staffing and efficient aircraft turnaround have been emphasised to manage operational disruptions.

Airlines and Airports Asked to Strengthen Winter Operations

The DGCA has been tasked with regulatory oversight, checking compliance with applicable instructions and verifying aircraft and crew preparedness for low-visibility operations. Airlines have also been directed to make timely operational decisions and ensure that passengers receive accurate information before travelling to the airport.

The AAI and airport operators are expected to ensure the readiness of essential landing and visibility-monitoring systems, maintain airside safety, provide adequate terminal capacity and coordinate airport operations during periods of poor visibility.

The IMD will provide reliable forecasts, regular weather observations and timely updates to support operational planning. Meanwhile, air traffic control and air navigation service providers will focus on safe aircraft sequencing, adherence to low-visibility procedures and coordinated air traffic management.

The meeting also highlighted the role of BCAS and CISF in maintaining safe and orderly passenger movement, including terminal re-entry and re-boarding wherever required.

Passenger Facilitation to Remain a Priority

Particular attention was given to passengers facing prolonged delays, cancellations and rescheduled departures. Airlines have been instructed to ensure adequate staffing at check-in counters, airport helpdesks and customer care facilities.

The Civil Aviation Secretary emphasised that airline helpdesks must be staffed by informed and empowered personnel capable of addressing passenger queries and providing appropriate assistance during disruptions.

Improved communication through digital channels is also intended to help travellers make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary trips to airports when flights are delayed or rescheduled.

Impact on Hospitality, Travel and Tourism

1. Better coordination for hotel bookings and airport transfers

Fog-related flight disruptions can affect hotel check-in schedules, airport pickups, connecting journeys and pre-booked travel experiences. Timely airline updates can help hotels, travel agencies and transport providers adjust arrangements and communicate with guests more effectively.

2. Greater importance of flexible hotel reservations

Hotels in Delhi and other fog-affected destinations may need to accommodate late arrivals, unexpected overnight stays and changes to guest itineraries. Flexible booking policies and responsive front-office teams can help reduce passenger inconvenience.

3. Implications for corporate travel and MICE events

Business meetings, conferences, exhibitions and incentive travel programmes often operate on tight schedules. Flight disruptions can affect delegate arrivals, event attendance and hotel room allocations, making contingency planning essential for event organisers and hospitality operators.

4. Improved travel planning during peak winter demand

The fog season coincides with winter holidays and increased travel activity across several Indian destinations. Advance flight information can help domestic and international tourists plan airport transfers, onward connections and sightseeing schedules more efficiently.

5. Stronger coordination across the travel ecosystem

The emphasis on communication and operational preparedness highlights the need for airlines, airports, hotels, destination management companies and travel agents to coordinate more closely when disruptions occur.

Industry Takeaway

The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s winter preparedness initiative places passenger safety, operational coordination and timely communication at the centre of India’s fog-season aviation strategy. For the hospitality and tourism industry, the key priority will be to build flexible travel arrangements and responsive guest-service systems that can accommodate flight delays and last-minute itinerary changes.

While fog-related disruptions cannot be eliminated entirely, better preparedness and communication can help reduce their impact on passengers, hotel operations and the wider travel and tourism ecosystem.