In response to the diversion of over 50 flights bound for Delhi due to low visibility, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show cause notice to both Air India and SpiceJet for rostering non-CAT III compliant pilots. The notice requires a response within 14 days, highlighting concerns over the airlines’ adherence to aviation safety standards.
CAT III in aviation denotes a specialized instrument landing system (ILS) approach designed for landing in challenging visibility conditions such as fog, rain, or snow. The regulatory move comes in the aftermath of significant disruptions during December 24-25 and December 27-28, raising questions about the preparedness of the airlines to handle adverse weather conditions.
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, in an interview, acknowledged the challenges posed by dense fog and emphasized the need for coordination between airlines and the authorities to ensure the availability of CAT II and CAT III-trained pilots during foggy conditions. The unusual density of fog this year has prompted the aviation industry to enhance measures to minimize congestion and delays.
Passengers have voiced concerns over the impact on travel plans, with reports of flight delays and diversions. The DGCA’s focus on ensuring compliance with CAT III standards underscores the importance of robust safety protocols in aviation operations, especially during adverse weather events.
