While Delhi is under the grip of cold wave and foggy days, also predicted by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi airport Tuesday also launched its social media command centre, thermal imaging cameras to ensure safe smooth flight operations without disruption during low visibility period. According to MeT, Delhi will witness cold wave till December 19 and from December 22 onwards, dense to moderate fog is in weather forecast. With new ATC Tower in the vicinity of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), will help airlines and air traffic controllers in operating flights during poor visibility conditions.
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO-DIAL, said, "We continue to enhance our capabilities to manage operations safely during reduced visibility conditions. We are focused on keeping the passenger informed and maintaining a safe operational environment."
"At the social media command centre, we have deployed cutting-edge technology and dedicated team to monitor online conversation and provide resolution. Now, an international flyer can easily reach out to us, without having a local sim card through social media via airport's free Wi-Fi facility. With the help of open and credible feedback from the social media team, we have taken several measures to enhance passenger experience," he added.
Delhi airport has also started 'Follow - Me'2 service to pilots to ensure safe movement of aircraft and maintain vigil to avoid any untoward incident during dense fog situation.
SB Sharma, General Manager, Air Traffic Management (ATM)-ATC said, "With the new ATC tower, with world-class and latest gadgets, becoming operational, the air traffic controllers will be able to work with ease and handle more number of flights. Delhi Airport is well equipped to handle aircraft operations safely."
The overall highlights of DIAL's readiness at T3, T2, T1D and T1C during the fog season are being shared at regular intervals . To assist passengers, DIAL has installed display of weather related information at MATV screens inside the terminals.
"Frequent updates to passengers/visitors on expected time of departures (ETD) and arrivals (ETA). Helpdesks installed at entry gates for providing information on cancellations and delays," Delhi airport official said.