Heavy fog has severely disrupted flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, causing significant travel chaos for passengers. The adverse weather conditions, which began impacting schedules on Sunday, have led to numerous delays and a notable number of cancellations.
Flight Operations Grind to a Halt
On Sunday, the blanket of dense fog proved to be a major operational hurdle for airlines and airport authorities. At least 10 flights were cancelled as visibility dropped below the minimum required levels for safe takeoffs and landings. The cancellations affected both domestic and international routes, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded or forced to make alternate arrangements.
Beyond the outright cancellations, the ripple effect was felt across the airport's schedule. Dozens of other flights faced extensive delays, with waiting times stretching for several hours. The departure and arrival boards were filled with red 'Delayed' indicators, creating long queues at airline help desks and customer service counters as anxious travelers sought information.
Passenger Plight and Airport Advisory
Passengers at Terminal 3 and other terminals shared stories of frustration and uncertainty. Many complained about a lack of timely communication from airlines regarding the revised schedules. The airport terminal saw crowded waiting areas as people, some with young children and elderly family members, settled in for a potentially long wait.
In response to the situation, Delhi Airport authorities issued advisories urging passengers to stay in close contact with their respective airlines. Travelers were strongly advised to check their flight status online or via the airline's mobile app before leaving for the airport. This step was emphasized to prevent unnecessary congestion at the terminals and to help people avoid long, futile waits.
The airport also stated that it was working closely with airlines and the Air Traffic Control (ATC) to manage the situation and minimize inconvenience. However, operations remained heavily dependent on improvements in weather conditions.
Weather Outlook and Seasonal Challenges
The disruption is a stark reminder of the annual winter challenge faced by North Indian airports, particularly the major hub in the national capital. Dense fog is a recurring phenomenon during the winter months, from late December through January, often leading to similar scenes of travel disruption.
Meteorological departments had issued warnings about reduced visibility due to fog and cold wave conditions in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Such weather events test the operational preparedness of airports and the contingency planning of airlines. While airports like IGI are equipped with advanced instrument landing systems (ILS) to aid in low-visibility conditions, operations still slow down significantly, and safety protocols sometimes necessitate delays and cancellations.
As the day progressed, airport officials hoped for the fog to lift, which would allow for a gradual normalization of flight schedules. However, passengers booked on flights for the coming days were also cautioned, as similar weather patterns were forecasted to continue in the region.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of air travel to extreme weather and underscores the importance for passengers to factor in potential delays during the winter season, consider purchasing travel insurance, and maintain flexibility in their plans when flying through affected regions.
