DGCA Issues Notices to Air India, SpiceJet for Untrained Pilots Amid Delhi Fog-Related Diversions

The DGCA issued notices to Air India and SpiceJet due to untrained pilots amidst Delhi's fog-related flight diversions. More than 50 flights were diverted, causing significant disruptions. The lack of CAT III technology-trained pilots led to delays, cancellations, and concerns about safety compliance. 

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Amid Delhi's fog-induced flight diversions, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued show-cause notices to Air India and SpiceJet. This action stemmed from pilots rostered without CAT III technology training, crucial for landing during dense fog and poor visibility.

The regulatory intervention followed the diversion of over 50 flights intended for Delhi airport. This occurred due to exceptionally low visibility on December 24–25 and December 27–28, as reported by DGCA. The disruptions in the last week of December disrupted operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The CAT III B technology is pivotal for safe landings in foggy conditions, with a visibility range of 200 to 50 feet. However, the lack of trained pilots led to increased delays, diversions, and cancellations during this period.

From December 25 to December 29, the situation worsened, causing significant disruptions. Around 500 flights faced delays, with over 65 flights redirected and 20–30 cancellations. This affected airport operations and inconvenienced passengers.

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More than 60 flights meant for Delhi were diverted to Jaipur, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad, highlighting the severity of the situation. A significant portion of these diversions resulted from pilots inadequately trained for low-visibility operations, raising concerns regarding safety compliance and the proficiency of flight crews.

The incident underscores the critical need for well-trained pilots and adherence to safety protocols, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The DGCA's notices serve as a reminder of the essentiality of CAT III technology training for pilots to ensure safe landings and smooth operations at airports.