Food courts and helplines to give comfort to fog-hit passengers
This winter will be different for air passengers flying out of Delhi airport.
The Delhi International airport private limited (DIAL), the joint venture company that took over the modernisation and reconstruction of the airport, says it has taken proactive measures to prevent discomfort to passengers during delays and to provide information in advance.
The airport made news for its flooded toilets, packed terminal and interminable flight delays. DIAL taking over this May from Airports Authority of India, promises to make a difference this year.
As part of the preparation, DIAL held a series of meetings with various stakeholders such as airlines, air traffic control, Met department, customs, immigration, Delhi police and catering firms to assess the preparedness for the fog season. “Based on the discussions, several steps are being taken inside and outside the terminals and also on the airside to try and minimise the impact on flight operations and inconvenience to passengers,” said DIAL’s Chief Operating Officer Ioannis Papastefanou.
He said a centralised Emergency Response & Interactive Centre (ERIC) will be set up to co-ordinate operations during the fog season. The Meteorological Department of India will also be providing latest fog updates to the ERIC. In addition, a Crisis Management Center (CMC) would also be set-up to co-ordinate the efforts and manage any unforeseen events. Representatives from various stakeholders would be present in the CMC.
A centralised media centre will also be available to facilitate the media persons.
To accommodate the overflow of passengers, DIAL will install pre-fabricated tents that will be fire retardant and equipped with oil heaters and attached rest rooms, Flight Information Display systems, Food & Beverage trolleys and Airline Information Counters, said the COO.
The food centres inside the terminals will be operating extra counters and kitchens will remain open 24 hours during this period. Helpline numbers are being setup to provide information to passengers. In addition, a free parking lot is being set-up near the airport to cater to the extra rush of passengers.
A courtesy coach will connect this parking lot with the terminals. Seating in the terminals is being augmented and extra trolleys are being arranged for the benefit of passengers. Visitors’ entry to the terminals will also be regulated during the fog period to prevent overcrowding.
On the technological front the Delhi Airport is equipped with Category IIIB Instrument Landing System. The system allows compatible aircraft and trained pilots to land even when the runway visibility is upto 50 meters. Ten aircraft parking stands are equipped to handle CAT IIIB aircraft and action is being taken to make 9 more stands compatible for CAT IIIB operations. A brand new fleet of ‘Follow Me’ vehicles equipped with GPS and other modern aids has been procured to guide aircraft on the ground during fog conditions if needed.
An additional stock of aviation fuel will be kept as contingency measures. Standby diesel generator sets will augment the regular electricity supplies.
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