What is Air Indias newly launched Fog Care initiative and how it helps flyers?

New Delhi: In the next few weeks, dense fog will envelop many pockets in North India, with low visibility causing disruptions. The affected flight schedules will test the patience of stranded flyers. However, Air India has launched a new plan -- 'Fog Care' initiative -- to reduce the travails of travellers. The initiative is aimed at easing the financial and logistical burden.

Northern India witnesses poor visibility due to thick fog during the peak winter season. This disrupts flight schedules across the network. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designated December 10 to February 10, 2026, as the official fog window this season.

A spokesperson of Air India on Tuesday said: "Following marked improvements in operations during the fog window last year, and taking cues from the previous years’ experiences, Air India has further strengthened its internal SOPs and adopted proactive measures to address potential fog-related delays and disruptions.”

Under the initiative, flights that are expected to be affected by dense fog — based on meteorological forecasts — are identified in advance, and passengers informed about any delay or schedule change. Through Air India's 'Fog Care', flyers can also choose complimentary rescheduling or receive a full refund without any penalty.

The airline will issue advance alerts through SMS, WhatsApp, email, and updates on its website and social platforms. A dedicated customer-support desk will also be available to handle fog-related queries and help with rebooking.

In a statement, the national carrier said: "Air India has been working closely with its airport partners and has initiated proactive measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers during the fog season. This will include ensuring there are adequate ground support teams to aid passengers and keeping ready care packages with refreshments and other resources at origin as well as diversion airports. Airport teams will monitor delays, make regular announcements, and proactively rebook impacted passengers on alternative flights."

Flight schedules have been adjusted to lessen inconvenience for passengers, particularly on long-haul and major metro-to-metro routes with onward connections.

Air India will deploy adequate cockpit crew trained in low visibility operations (LVO) through CAT III B or specific instrument landing systems (ILS). It will ensure these staff are available to operate flights safely during the official fog window (Dec 10, 2025 to Feb 10, 2026). Stand-by crews will also be kept ready to manage any urgent situations.

Aircraft certified with CAT III B operations will be deployed at major airports which are prone to fog, helping ensure that flight disruptions are reduced.

An Integrated Operations Control Centre will monitor weather forecasts in real time — enabling proactive schedule alterations — including rescheduling or cancellations — well before passengers reach the airport.

If a person is flying during the fog-prone period, the 'Fog Care' can help in a big way. It can reduce risk of surprise expenses. With advance refund or rescheduling options available, travellers can avaoid last-minute hotel or taxi costs if a flight is cancelled or diverted.

A person will be able to book early without paying extra for "safer” dates. And if fog disrupts plans, the flyer can reschedule at no extra cost. If a person's original flight is delayed or cancelled, rebooking helps ensure the individual not to miss your onward connections — saving one from the cost of last-minute alternative flights or losing money on non-refundable bookings.

As the airline actively tracks forecasts and shares updates in advance, travellers can avoid unnecessary trips to the airport and long waits in queues for information.

'Fog Care' applies only to flights which are identified in advance as likely to be affected based on weather forecasts. This means not all flights during the fog period will be covered by disruption shield.