GUWAHATI: According to guidelines released on Monday by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airlines must cancel sufficiently in advance flights that are anticipated to be delayed by more than three hours and notify passengers in real time about flight status and expected departure time in order to prevent crowding in airports.
Following orders from Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the airlines implemented a new protocol after fog caused problems with flight schedules for two days, forcing thousands of people to be holed up inside aircrafts, terminals, and even tarmacs.
While speaking to GPlus, an official from the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) said, "The airlines are complying with the guidelines. Indeed fog has been a constant hindrance during winters, both the stakeholders and passengers face the brunt of it. For smooth facilitation this SOP will be useful as our terminal is comparatively smaller in size."
Further, LGBIA confirmed that the mandated standard operation procedure (SOP) is being strictly followed by the airlines.
According to media reports, Scindia also warned passengers not to partake in unruly behaviours against staff and assured to minimise such issues.