Persistent cold wave and dense fog have gripped Delhi-NCR, with the IMD issuing a ‘Yellow Alert’ due to concerns over unruly behavior on flights. The next five days are expected to bring dense to very dense fog in several parts of North India, including Delhi and its neighboring areas. As temperatures drop and visibility decreases, the aviation ministry is taking steps to ensure passenger safety and minimize disruptions caused by foggy conditions. This recent incident underscores the need for stronger measures against unruly behavior on flights, with the warning making it clear that such actions will not be tolerated.
The weather in North India is causing some concerns, especially with the dense fog that is predicted to persist over the next few days. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for several parts of North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and north Madhya Pradesh. Delhi and its neighboring areas are also expected to be affected, with a yellow alert being issued for Tuesday.
In addition to the fog, cold to severe cold weather conditions are expected in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and north Rajasthan for the next 48 hours. Uttar Pradesh is likely to see cold weather conditions for the next 4-5 days. In fact, on Monday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 17.6 degrees Celsius, which is three notches below the season’s average. Cold wave conditions were also observed in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Punjab, and Haryana.
The visibility in Delhi was recorded at 500 meters at 5:30 am, while at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, it was 1,000 meters at 6:30 am. The humidity levels ranged from 55% to 95% on Monday. These conditions, along with the fog, can lead to disruptions in flight schedules and pose risks to aviation safety.
Speaking of aviation safety, the recent incident of a passenger assaulting a co-pilot on a delayed IndiGo flight has raised concerns. The aviation ministry has warned of strict action against unruly behavior on flights. Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, has stated that such incidents will be dealt with strongly according to existing legal provisions.
To minimize inconvenience during the foggy season, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is issuing directives to airlines and airport operators. These directives aim to improve coordination and better handle the challenges posed by foggy conditions. The incident of assault on the co-pilot only highlights the need for stronger measures to ensure the safety and security of airline crew.
It is important for passengers to adhere to proper conduct and refrain from engaging in disruptive or violent behavior on flights. The increasing instances of unruly behavior on flights call for stronger consequences for such actions. The aviation ministry and other stakeholders are making efforts to minimize the impact of fog-related disruptions on flight schedules. The warning from the aviation ministry sends a strong message that unruly behavior will not be tolerated, and appropriate action will be taken against violators.