Fog Chaos at Airports: Centre Tells Airlines to Provide Meals, Refunds, Clear Updates to Flyers

India’s civil aviation ministry has directed airlines to strictly comply with passenger facilitation requirements as dense fog and low visibility continue to disrupt flight operations across the country. Hundreds of flights have been delayed and several cancelled in recent days due to poor visibility at major airports, including New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the country’s busiest hubs.In an office memorandum, the ministry stressed mandatory compliance with passenger facilitation norms during foggy and low-visibility conditions. Airlines were asked to ensure timely and accurate information to passengers about flight schedules, provide meals and refreshments during extended delays, and facilitate rebooking or refunds

in the event of cancellations. Boarding should not be denied to passengers who have completed check-in on time, it said.

“Where adverse weather prevents operations despite reasonable efforts, airlines shall clearly inform passengers about the nature of disruption and the measures being undertaken,” the memorandum said.“Appropriate passenger entitlements (refreshments, rescheduling, etc.) shall be extended,” it added.The ministry also instructed airlines to ensure adequate staffing and operational readiness at airports, particularly at help desks, during fog-affected hours such as early mornings and late evenings.

For flights diverted due to weather, airlines must make necessary arrangements at the alternate airport, including meals or refreshments and timely onward movement of passengers, the memorandum said.“Clear communication regarding connecting flights, baggage handling and care of unaccompanied minors shall be ensured,” it added.

In a post on X, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said, "In view of prevailing fog and low-visibility conditions impacting flight operations, airlines have been directed to strictly comply with passenger facilitation norms, in the interest of passenger safety and convenience."This includes:• Timely and accurate flight information• Meals and refreshments for extended delays• Rebooking or refunds in case of cancellations• No denial of boarding after timely check-in• Assistance during diversions and for persons with disabilities (PwDs)• Timely refunds, baggage facilitation and effective grievance redressalNorth India routinely faces severe fog during winter months, often causing widespread disruptions to air, rail and road transport.