Amid flight cancellations, Srinagar Airport holds low-visibility dry run

Srinagar, Dec 13: On the eleventh consecutive day of disruptions, as many as six IndiGo flights were cancelled at the Srinagar and Jammu airports on Saturday.

With this, the total number of flight cancellations for J&K since the flight fiasco began has almost touched 90.

The low-cost carrier has seen thousands of flight cancellations across the country since December 3, owing to teething operational issues, which has also hit Kashmir and Jammu.

Meanwhile, a dry run and preparedness exercise was conducted by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Srinagar International Airport, on Saturday to assess and ensure operational readiness in view of the forthcoming winter and snow season, with special emphasis on fog and low-visibility contingencies.

A Srinagar Airport spokesperson said that the exercise was carried out jointly by AAI, Airline Airport Managers (APMs), CISF, Ground Handling Agencies (GHAs), Medical Inspection Unit, and all other concerned stakeholders.

The objective of the exercise was to evaluate overall preparedness, inter-agency coordination, and functionality of passenger as well as operational facilities during adverse weather conditions.

“The objective of the dry run was to assess preparedness for fog, low-visibility conditions, and winter operations and verify readiness of infrastructure, systems, and manpower during adverse weather. Besides, we wanted to ensure seamless coordination among AAI, airlines, CISF, and other stakeholders,” he said.

Among those who participated in the exercise included representatives of concerned departments of AAI, APMs of all operating airlines, CISF officials deployed at the airport, and representatives of Ground Handling Agencies and other service providers, along with a Medical Officer, Medical Inspection Unit (MIU).

The spokesman said among the terminal building facilities, heating arrangements inside the terminal building were checked for adequacy and proper functioning.

He said passenger waiting areas, lounges, and circulation spaces were inspected to ensure passenger comfort during cold weather.

In terms of fog and low-visibility preparedness, operational protocols for fog and low-visibility conditions were reviewed.

“Coordination mechanisms between ATC, airlines, apron control, and terminal operations were verified. Passenger facilitation arrangements during flight delays, diversions, and cancellations were reviewed,” he said.

The safety and security arrangements, along with airside and landside coordination, were also undertaken.

“The stakeholder coordination is quite important. Roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders during fog and snow conditions were reiterated. Communication channels for real-time information sharing were reviewed. Emphasis was laid on the timely and accurate dissemination of flight information to passengers,” he said.

“The dry run was conducted successfully and provided assurance regarding the preparedness of Srinagar International Airport for the upcoming winter, snow, and fog season. Continuous monitoring and periodic review of arrangements were advised to ensure sustained operational efficiency and passenger comfort during adverse weather conditions,” the spokesperson said.