Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport issued a crucial passenger advisory on Monday morning as a thick blanket of dense fog severely reduced visibility across the national capital, disrupting air and rail travel.
Flight Operations Under CAT III Conditions
In an official communication released at 7:00 AM on Monday, the airport authority alerted travelers that operations were being conducted under CAT III (Category III) conditions. This special protocol is activated during extremely poor visibility. The advisory explicitly stated that the adverse weather could lead to significant flight delays or even cancellations for several destinations.
The airport assured passengers that ground staff were deployed across terminals to manage the situation and assist affected travelers. They urged all passengers to directly contact their respective airlines for the most current information regarding their flight status.
Widespread Travel Chaos Beyond the Airport
The impact of the dense fog was not confined to the skies. Ground transportation also faced major setbacks. Several trains arriving in or departing from Delhi were reported to be running late by multiple hours, compounding the travel woes for thousands of commuters.
The sudden drop in visibility, a common winter phenomenon in North India, brought early morning activity in the city to a crawl. The advisory highlighted the airport's regret for any inconvenience caused to passengers due to the unavoidable weather disruption.
What Travelers Should Do
For passengers booked on flights from Delhi, the airport's guidance is clear:
- Contact your airline: Reach out to your airline via phone, website, or app for real-time updates on departure times.
- Allow extra time: If traveling to the airport, factor in potential road delays due to the fog.
- Monitor official channels: Keep an eye on the airport's official social media and website for broader advisories.
This remains a developing situation, and further updates are expected as weather conditions evolve through the day.