Udaipur, November 23, 2024 - The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all airlines to ensure that passenger facilities are addressed if flights are delayed owing to fog. As part of this directive, airlines will now be required to provide beverages and snacks if there is a delay of 2-4 hours, and meals if the delay exceeds four hours.

Yesterday, the Aviation Ministry said on X, “… airlines have been advised to provide facilities to passengers during flight delays. These measures are designed to prioritise passenger convenience during unforeseen disruptions. As per an advisory issued by DGCA, airlines (have) to provide drinking water for delays of flights up to two hours; tea or coffee with snacks/refreshments for delays between two and four  hours; and meals for delays exceeding four hours.”

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has further tried to ease passenger discomfort by addressing the issue of them being made to sit inside the aircraft for long hours if flight has been delayed. Now the passengers will be allowed to get off the aircraft in case of extended delays.

These decisions were taken in a meeting earlier this week in which Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu discussed steps with stakeholders to prepare for fog conditions. The Minister said passengers must be notified in advance about delays and airlnes must ensure check-in counters are adequately staffed so there are no avoidable delays.