Weather issues in aviation can cause disruption on many levels, which is why critical messaging is high on the list of operational priorities for most airlines.

Although not all airlines seem to handle these adverse conditions too well, as was apparent in Delhi over the last few days. Passengers were left stranded, some since Tuesday evening with little or no information, food or indeed luggage, as flights were delayed and cancelled due to foggy conditions.

There were closed desks and mobbed airline staff as the situation reached fever pitch with some passengers left standing on tarmac for more than an hour.

Traveller Annamma Sam George, who had lost her baggage enroute from America earlier in the week said, “I will never come to Delhi again in the winter. The airport authorities are probably too busy handling the cancelled and delayed flights, but my valuables are in the bag and I’m running out of cash.”

The T3 visitors lounge was packed with anxious, stranded passengers simply left with nothing.

Nothing can be done about the weather – that much is clear – but with advanced messaging solutions within aviation, there is certainly room for improvement upon passenger services and facilities in adverse conditions and situations.