FAQs RELATING TO FOG FOR THE BENEFIT OF PASSENGERS AND VISITORS
1. When is fog anticipated at Bengaluru International Airport?
Fog is anticipated from 15th November to 15th February, between 03:00 IST to 08:30 IST
2. What type of Fog occurs at BIA?
The fog most likely to occur at BIA is known as "Radiation fog". It is formed on clear, still nights when the ground loses heat by radiation, and cools. The ground in turn cools the nearby air to saturation point, thus forming fog. Ideal conditions for the formation of Radiation fog are light winds, clear skies, low temperature and presence of adequate humidity.
3.Why do aircraft get delayed during periods of fog?
In the interest of safety, there are regulations governing operations of aircraft during low visibility. Pilots are prohibited from landing or taking off when the visibility is below a defined minimum figure known as "Minima". The Minima so declared is based on the accuracy of the instrument landing system and other operational parameters.
4. What is the Minima applicable for pilots operating at BIA ?
The minima varies from 550 Mtrs to 1200 Mtrs depending on the type of landing equipment being used, the approach speed of aircraft and various other parameters.
5. Why can’t periods of fog be predicted early?
The meteorological observers do issue advance warnings for anticipated periods of low visibility. However these warnings are intelligent guess estimates and do not accurately define the time when fog will set in, the intensity of the fog or the exact time at which the fog would clear.
6. I Can observe fog near my residence. Does it mean that the visibility on the Runway will be affected and flights will be delayed?
No. Fog can be highly localized in certain areas and be absent in areas just a few hundred metres away.
7. What special care should I take in fog conditions when I am departing from Bengaluru International Airport?
Apart from being prepared for unexpected delays. Please carry essential medicines and items like baby food in hand baggage. On occasion incoming aircraft may divert to another airport due to poor visiblity. In such cases the corresponding departures out of BIA may be delayed by a few hours.
8. What special care should I take in fog conditions if I have to receive someone at BIA?
In case you are receiving someone, please be prepared for a delay as:
1.Visiblity can reduce and improve in just a matter of minutes.
2.You would never be absolutely sure of the arrival time if fog were to set in.
3.For the exact status of the flight, please contact the BIAL telephone enquiry no. 66782255 / 66782251 or the respective airline call centre
9. I see aircraft taking off and landing, why is my flight not departing/arriving?
This can sometimes happen due to the following reasons:
1. The Minima may vary based on the Airline and the experience of the Pilot. In addition, certain departing aircraft are permitted to operate under special conditions known as "Low visibility take-off operations".
2. Following periods of disruption of aircraft Operations, there can be backlog of aircraft both on ground and in the air waiting in queue. These disruptions can extend for as much as an hour.
10. My arrival flight was diverted whereas other aircraft landed at BIA?
This can happen due to the following reasons:
1.Aircraft carry extra fuel known as holding fuel to cater for waiting periods. Once the holding fuel is exhausted pilots are required to divert, irrespective of visibility.
2.The Minima applicable varies.
3.Due to possible congestion delays in the air.
11. After boarding the aircraft I was made to wait for a long duration on ground. Why were we asked to remain on-board when a delay was expected?
As explained above. It is not possible to accurately predict the onset and cessation of fog. De-boarding and boarding of an aircraft is a long process. If the visibility were to improve during this period the pilot would forgo an opportunity of a quick departure.
