IndiGo prepares for winter’s fog disruptions, BA

India’s largest domestic carrier, IndiGo, which operates about 2100 daily domestic and international flights, on Thursday said it implemented advanced strategies and technology to reduce winter season disruptions that arise due to low visibility caused by fog. IndiGo holds a 63 per cent share in the domestic market, so a major fog disruption in Delhi, India’s largest airport and also the airline’s operational base, can impact its flight operations significantly.

For airlines, winter weather conditions, particularly fog and smog in North Indian cities, present significant operational challenges, resulting in flight delays, cancellations, and diversions. Limited visibility affects safe take-offs and landings, disrupting flight schedules. Additional factors such as strong winds, infrastructure constraints, airport congestion, and navigation issues further affect operations and passenger experience.

Speaking about the measures it takes to handle the fog disruptions, IndiGo said it initiates early planning for winter season challenges. The airline said it adopts a proactive planning strategy, anticipating the challenges posed by dense fog.

Qualified Low Visibility Operations (LVO) crews—pilots certified to carry out CAT-IIIB landings—are scheduled for flights during fog-prone periods, ensuring safety and operational reliability, the airline said. “Crews are strategically positioned near airports to reduce delays caused by transportation challenges during foggy conditions. Accommodations and transportation are pre-arranged for crews, ensuring they are readily available to operate flights as soon as conditions improve. IndiGo coordinates airport standbys to streamline operations and mitigate potential disruptions caused by adverse weather,” it said.

In the area of forecasting and risk assessment, IndiGo said it has a team of experienced meteorologists who constantly monitor weather patterns and provide precise forecasts to ensure preparedness. “They utilize tools such as hourly weather reports, terminal aerodrome forecasts, and weather warnings to anticipate fog events. Safety Risk Assessments are conducted for severe weather, enabling proactive adjustments to operations. Based on historical data and strategy, IndiGo carries additional fuel to account for holding patterns and taxi delays, reducing the need for diversions and gate returns,” the airline said.On a day-to-day basis, its Operations Control Center (OCC) actively monitors real-time visibility and manages crew rosters to ensure CAT III/LVTO cleared crew are available. “Based on the MET forecast, OCC manages rostering to ensure adherence to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), and collaborates with AOCS to manage delays and diversions. Base managers and crew tracking teams are coordinated to optimise operations during disruptions. Diversions are directed only to airports with available Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) to ensure operational continuity. A dedicated AOCS point of contact is assigned to each diverted flight to provide seamless support and ensure smooth operations,” the airline added.

Throughout the fog season, the engineering team plays a vital role, ensuring that aircraft are properly equipped for LVO and that maintenance activities do not exacerbate fog-related delays. This includes verifying the functionality of essential systems required for low-visibility operations.

“IndiGo’s customer-centric approach is evident throughout its fog mitigation strategy. The airline adheres to stringent safety guidelines and keeps customers informed through regular announcements during delays.

Representatives from IndiGo ground operations are available to assist customers, and clear communication is provided to those deplaning after diversions, explaining any necessary local regulations,” the airline said.

“Recognising the inconvenience of delays, IndiGo provides refreshments based on the length of the delay, and refunds/rebooking options are offered for delays exceeding two hours, in line with regulations from the regulatory authorities,” IndiGo added.

All of these procedures are outlined in IndiGo’s IROPS Joint Circular, which defines clear responsibilities and procedures for managing disruptions, it said. “Through this comprehensive and integrated approach, IndiGo strives to minimise the impact of fog on its operations and provide a smooth and comfortable travel experience for its customers, even during challenging weather conditions,” it added.