Takeoff curbs applied to Airbus planes too; delays may worsen

New Delhi: The aviation regulator has tightened rules for Airbus planes taking off in low visibility, a move that could mean more flight disruptions in a season when a thick blanket of winter fog covers most cities in northern India.
Kingfisher Airlines Ltd, National Aviation Co. of India Ltd-run Air India and InterGlobe Aviation Pvt. Ltd-run IndiGo, which fly mainly Airbus A320 planes on domestic routes, have until now been allowed takeoffs even in foggy conditions, provided there is at least 125m visibility.
Flights of Jet Airways (India) Ltd, with a fleet made up mainly of Boeing aircraft, and SpiceJet Ltd, with an all-Boeing fleet, had to wait until the visibility went up to 150m before taking off.
The visibility standards were in line with the technical requirements of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “There was a special dispensation for three airlines for two years. Now it is 150m for everybody,” said a DGCA official who asked not to be named.
The order was issued to the three carriers earlier this week.
The order may worsen the woes of air travellers already struggling with flight cancellations, delays and diversions in Delhi and other parts of northern India because of fog. On Wednesday, the Capital was covered by the densest fog in seven years.
21/01/10 Tarun Shukla/Live Mint

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Categories: Airports Jan 2010, Indian Aviation- In General Jan 2010