Complaints prompt regulator to get cracking on airlines

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to crack down on airlines that “harass” passengers at the Delhi airport while they wait for flights delayed by fog, Faizan Haider reports.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to crack down on airlines that “harass” passengers at the Delhi airport while they wait for flights delayed by fog.

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Officials talked of complaints from passengers that prompted the DGCA to conduct random checks at the airport.

“Some passengers found it difficult to complain as the airline authority refused to listen to them. Our officials will speak to the passengers who are stuck at the airport and identify the problem,” a senior DGCA official said.

“Action will be taken against the agency responsible for causing inconvenience to the passengers,” the official added.

Before the fog season had set in, the DGCA set up a collaborative-decision making committee with representatives from the Delhi International Airport, airlines and the air traffic controller, who will decide on how to clear the backlog of flights once visibility improves.

“The panel will be activated only during dense fog for better co-ordination that can reduce inconvenience for passengers. The panel does not have a representative of the aviation regulator but we have decided to send our officials too,” the official added. As the fog season is likely to last till February 10, the decision of the DGCA can help passengers.

Airlines are bound to give food to passengers in case their flight is delayed for more than an hour.