The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a show cause notice to Air India and SpiceJet on Thursday for rostering non-CAT III compliant pilots amid low visibility at Delhi airport, which resulted in numerous flight diversions.

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According to a senior DGCA official, the warning was given to airlines after it was discovered that a large number of aircraft diversions reported at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi were caused by these carriers rostering non-CAT III compliant pilots. The pilots had not been trained to take off or land in low visibility conditions.

Between the midnights of December 24-25 and 27-28, Delhi Airport reported more than 50 diversions owing to reduced visibility caused by fog.

"The airlines have been asked to reply within fifteen days," the official added.

Flight operations at IGI Airport were significantly hampered on December 26 as visibility plummeted to 50 metres.

According to airport sources, visibility of 50 metres is considered zero visibility. 

Visibility improved slightly around 8.30 a.m., when it was 75 metres, but then decreased back to 50 metres.

"While landings and take-offs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," the advisory issued by Delhi airport said.

The airport authorities had initiated the anti-fog landing system, technically called the CAT-III Instrument Landing System (ILS). The CAT III system helps with a precision approach and landing when the runway visibility level is low.

The anti-fog landing system, known officially as the CAT-III Instrument Landing System (ILS), had been launched by airport officials. When runway visibility is poor, the CAT III technology aids in precision approach and landing.

(With Agency Inputs)