Air India, SpiceJet in trouble for rostering untrained pilots to Delhi-bound flights during low-visibility
PTC News Desk: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued a show cause notice to Air India and SpiceJet on Thursday for rostering non-CAT III compliant pilots during low visibility at Delhi airport, which resulted in numerous flight diversions.
According to a senior DGCA official, the notice was issued to airlines after it was discovered that a large number of flight diversions reported at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi were caused by these airlines rostering non-CAT III compliant pilots. The pilots had not been trained to take off or land in low visibility conditions.
Between the midnights of December 24-25 and 27-28, Delhi Airport reported more than 50 diversions due to low visibility caused by fog.
"The airlines have been given fifteen days to respond," the official added.
Flight operations at IGI Airport were severely hampered on December 26 when visibility dropped to 50 metres.
According to airport sources, visibility of 50 metres is considered zero visibility. Visibility improved slightly at 8.30 a.m., when it was 75 metres, but then dropped back to 50 metres.
"While landings and take-offs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," the advisory issued by Delhi airport stated.
The anti-fog landing system, known technically as the CAT-III Instrument Landing System (ILS), had been initiated by airport authorities. When runway visibility is low, the CAT III system aids in precision approach and landing.
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