Operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) were severely disrupted on Sunday, December 15, 2024, as a thick blanket of dense fog descended upon the national capital region. The adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of over 225 flights and caused significant delays for numerous others, throwing travel plans into disarray for thousands of passengers.
Widespread Disruption and Passenger Advisories
The fog, which significantly reduced visibility, began impacting flight schedules early in the morning. Both domestic and international operations were hit hard. Major airlines, including IndiGo, swiftly responded to the crisis by issuing travel advisories to keep passengers informed.
IndiGo, in its official communication, advised travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. The airline also provided options for rescheduling or canceling affected flights without incurring any additional charges, a move aimed at easing passenger inconvenience. Other carriers are expected to follow similar protocols as the situation develops.
On-Ground Chaos and Operational Challenges
Inside the terminals, scenes of confusion and long queues became commonplace. Passengers faced extended waiting periods with limited information, as flight boards displayed a long list of cancellations and delays. The cascading effect of the initial disruptions meant that the ripple was felt throughout the day's schedule.
Airport authorities and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) are actively monitoring the situation. While low visibility procedures are in place, the intensity of the fog has surpassed operational thresholds for safe take-offs and landings, necessitating the large-scale cancellations. The primary concern remains passenger safety, which takes precedence over schedule adherence during such extreme weather events.
Broader Impact and Looking Ahead
The fallout from the fog-induced chaos is not confined to Delhi alone. Flights originating from or destined for other major metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata have also been impacted due to the network-wide disruption. This has created a domino effect across the country's aviation grid.
Meteorological departments have indicated that such dense fog conditions are likely to persist during the early morning hours over the next few days, typical for North Indian winters. Travelers flying in or out of Delhi in the coming week are strongly urged to:
- Continuously monitor their flight status via airline apps or websites.
- Allow for substantial extra travel time to reach the airport.
- Stay in direct contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates and rebooking options.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of air travel to seasonal weather patterns in the region and highlights the critical need for passengers to stay prepared during the winter months. Airlines and airport operators are working in coordination to normalize operations as visibility conditions improve through the day.
