Fog may trigger IGI boarding rush

New Delhi: In instances of zero visibility at the IGI Airport this season, it would depend upon the efficiency of the airline in boarding the flight that will determine when one will be able to take off from Delhi. The directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) recently told airlines that this year, they would not be permitted to board flights when visibility was very low and make passengers sit in the aircraft for hours at an end till visibility improved. This means that once visibility starts improving, all airlines will start boarding simultaneously and whoever manages to close doors first, will get preference in the takeoff sequence.
Airline officials said this could lead to massive confusion unless a better procedure was implemented by the air traffic control. '' In previous years, we used to board our flights and serve passengers on board while waiting for visibility to improve. However, this year flight schedules will hold no meaning as everyone will start boarding simultaneously and whoever will be able to board first, will get to depart first. This also means that a smaller aircraft will have an advantage as will those aircraft that get parking bays closer to the terminal,'' said an airline official.
Since not all lounges are ready at T3 at present, airlines like Air India and another private carrier have tied up with a coffee joint at the airport to service their business and executive class passengers.
11/12/10 Neha Lalchandani/Times of India

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Categories: Airports Dec 2010