Airlines will depute reps at airports

An interview with DG of Civil Aviation

An interview with DG of Civil Aviation

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Airlines often make passengers wait inside the aircraft for hours while pilots wait for the fog to lift. Are you taking any steps to prevent this?

We have told airlines that passengers should not be made to sit inside the aircraft and should be seated at the terminal. There are, however, security issues involved because once passengers are cleared by security, they cannot come back to the terminal. Let us see how it works out this time.

Passengers always complain that airlines do not inform them in time about flight delays or cancellations...

Details will be provided to passengers in case of any disruption and we have ensured that flight information is prominently displayed at airports. Call centres — who provide their telephone numbers to airlines — will also inform passengers on flight status, delays and cancellations.

Are you also ensuring that airlines provide food and water to passengers whose flights have been delayed?

This is a standing instruction to airlines that they should provide food and water to passengers if their flight is delayed. We will look into complaints.

Will all airlines depute their representatives at the airport to provide information to passengers?

We have had meetings with airlines and I have insisted on this facility. We are fully geared up to tackle the fog this year.

(As told to Sidhartha Roy)