Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata carried out an end-to-end fog-readiness simulation on 13 December to prepare for the low-visibility season that typically grips eastern India from mid-December to early February. The exercise, postponed earlier to avoid operational interference, tested both airside and terminal-side protocols under CAT-III Instrument Landing System (ILS) conditions.
On the airside, perimeter roads were barricaded to eliminate vehicle-induced signal interference, and pilots practised CAT-III approaches with simulated RVR (Runway Visual Range) below 200 metres. Inside the terminal, extra seating and food counters were installed, and airlines demonstrated their ability to provide refreshments after 90-minute delays and hot meals after four hours, as mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The India Meteorological Department, Air Traffic Control and ground-handling teams rehearsed real-time information sharing via a dedicated WhatsApp war-room.
![Kolkata Airport Runs Full Fog-Disruption Drill Ahead of Peak Winter Operations]()
Travellers who suddenly find their itineraries reshuffled because of fog-related delays or diversions can avoid additional stress over paperwork by turning to VisaHQ. The service (https://www.visahq.com/india/) specialises in expediting transit and destination visas worldwide, ensuring that any last-minute documentation changes are handled smoothly even when weather throws flight schedules into disarray.
For travellers, the drill promises a smoother experience: real-time delay alerts will be pushed via airline apps, while help-desks will assist with hotel vouchers for overnight disruptions. Corporate travel managers have welcomed the measures, noting that last winter CCU recorded 114 fog-related diversions, costing companies an estimated ₹20 crore in re-booking and lost productivity.
Airlines operating red-eye services to Delhi and Bagdogra are adjusting crew report times to allow for rolling slots if visibility deteriorates. Officials said a follow-up review on 20 December will audit compliance and decide whether similar drills should be mandated for other fog-prone airports such as Lucknow and Patna.
On the airside, perimeter roads were barricaded to eliminate vehicle-induced signal interference, and pilots practised CAT-III approaches with simulated RVR (Runway Visual Range) below 200 metres. Inside the terminal, extra seating and food counters were installed, and airlines demonstrated their ability to provide refreshments after 90-minute delays and hot meals after four hours, as mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The India Meteorological Department, Air Traffic Control and ground-handling teams rehearsed real-time information sharing via a dedicated WhatsApp war-room.
Travellers who suddenly find their itineraries reshuffled because of fog-related delays or diversions can avoid additional stress over paperwork by turning to VisaHQ. The service (https://www.visahq.com/india/) specialises in expediting transit and destination visas worldwide, ensuring that any last-minute documentation changes are handled smoothly even when weather throws flight schedules into disarray.
For travellers, the drill promises a smoother experience: real-time delay alerts will be pushed via airline apps, while help-desks will assist with hotel vouchers for overnight disruptions. Corporate travel managers have welcomed the measures, noting that last winter CCU recorded 114 fog-related diversions, costing companies an estimated ₹20 crore in re-booking and lost productivity.
Airlines operating red-eye services to Delhi and Bagdogra are adjusting crew report times to allow for rolling slots if visibility deteriorates. Officials said a follow-up review on 20 December will audit compliance and decide whether similar drills should be mandated for other fog-prone airports such as Lucknow and Patna.
