Question : IMPACT FOR FOG ON FLIGHTS

(a) whether National and International flights had to be diverted/cancelled/delayed from various airports of the country due to fog during the winter season;

(b) if so, the details and the total amount of loss incurred by National Carriers as a result thereof;

(c) the details of measures taken by the Government to combat the problem of fog; and

(d) the details of anti-fog equipments installed at every airport in the country alongwith the amount of funds spent /proposed to be spent thereon by the Government?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) Some airlines do not maintain details related to delays due to `landing restrictions` or late clearance for take off. It is, therefore, not possible to compute loss on this count.

(c) In accordance with ICAO guidelines, Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already installed CAT III B ILS at IGI airport, New Delhi, which permits operation of aircraft up to Runway Visual Range [RVR] of 50 meters which can be used by airlines with certified pilots. All airlines are directed/encouraged to plan their operations with aircrafts and pilots capable of operating under such low visibility conditions.In addition,Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) have also been installed at 42 other airports to enable aircraft operation in low visibility conditions.

(d) Fog is a natural phenomenon and no anti-fog equipment are available. Hence, does not arise.