Dense winter fog and severely polluted air combined to create major travel disruptions in the national capital region on Wednesday, December 24. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) was forced to continue its low visibility procedures, leading to significant delays and cancellations for air passengers.
Airport Operations Hit by Persistent Fog
Airport authorities confirmed that low visibility procedures (LVP) remained in force at Delhi's primary airport. These protocols, essential for safe aircraft movement during winter fog, inevitably slow down operations, causing delays in take-offs and landings. The situation followed a day of severe disruption on Tuesday, December 23, when at least 10 flights were cancelled and over 270 were delayed due to dense fog.
While visibility showed signs of improvement on Wednesday, the airport operator, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), warned passengers that departures to certain destinations could still face holdups. The advisory from the airport was clear: all travelers should verify their flight's status with their airline before starting their journey to the airport to avoid long, unnecessary waits.
Hazardous Air Quality Adds to Woes
Compounding the travel misery was Delhi's dangerously poor air quality. On Wednesday, the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 325, firmly in the 'hazardous' category. The primary pollutants choking the capital were PM2.5 and PM10. Specific readings revealed PM2.5 levels at a worrying 357.08 and PM10 at 253.67.
Other pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) were also present at elevated levels. Health experts reiterated warnings that such air quality poses serious risks, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The general advice for all residents is to limit outdoor activities and use protective masks when outside.
How to Check Your Flight Status
With disruptions likely to persist, passengers need reliable ways to track their flights. Here are the official methods for major airlines operating from Delhi:
For All Flights via Delhi Airport:
Passengers can visit the official Delhi Airport website's 'Live Flight Information' page. By entering the flight number and date, travelers can get real-time updates on status, terminal, gate, and scheduled versus estimated times.
For IndiGo Passengers:
The most recommended method is using the IndiGo mobile app or their website's flight tracker. By entering the PNR number and date, passengers can view live updates on delays and gate information. Third-party platforms like Ixigo also provide tracking services.
For Air India & Air India Express Passengers:
Travelers should check the dedicated flight status pages on the Air India and Air India Express websites. Searches can be conducted by flight number, PNR, or route. The Air India app and integrated services on the Tata Neu app also offer notifications.
For SpiceJet Passengers:
The SpiceJet website and mobile app provide real-time flight status. Additionally, passengers can check updates via the airline's official WhatsApp number or through SMS/email alerts sent on direct bookings.
The recent disruptions underscore the severe impact of North India's winter fog on aviation. With similar conditions forecasted, passengers are urged to stay informed, plan for extra travel time, and maintain direct communication with their airlines for the latest updates.
