Dense fog enveloping the national capital on Monday morning triggered significant air travel chaos, with ripple effects felt as far as Bhopal's Raja Bhoj Airport. The severe weather conditions led to the cancellation of two scheduled flights and forced delays of nearly five hours for two other services, throwing passenger plans into disarray.
Flight Operations Grind to a Halt
The primary culprit was a thick blanket of fog over Delhi, which drastically reduced visibility to critical levels at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. This disruption at one of the country's busiest aviation hubs had an immediate knock-on effect on connected routes. Airport Director Ramjee Awasthi confirmed that flights operating to and from Delhi were specifically impacted, while other routes remained normal.
Passengers at Raja Bhoj Airport faced hours of anxiety and uncertainty. Departure boards flashed continuously revised timings, leaving travellers, especially those with connecting flights or crucial appointments in Delhi, scrambling to make last-minute alterations to their itineraries. Airport staff worked to provide assistance and periodic updates, but the extended waiting period inevitably led to widespread frustration among stranded flyers.
Safety First Amid Weather Woes
Despite the availability of modern navigation technology, airline operators and authorities prioritize passenger safety above all during such poor weather phenomena. The low visibility conditions make it unsafe for aircraft to take off or land without specialized equipment and highly trained pilots. Consequently, airlines are compelled to delay departures, cancel services, or divert flights as a necessary precaution.
The situation began to improve by late morning as the fog started to lift and visibility recovered. Flight operations then slowly resumed, allowing the delayed aircraft from Bhopal to finally depart for their destinations.
A Recurring Winter Challenge
This incident underscores how localized adverse weather, particularly in northern India, can create a domino effect on the national air traffic network. Heavy fog in the Delhi region is a recurrent issue during the winter months, frequently leading to schedule disruptions across the country.
Authorities have advised travellers to plan ahead during this fog-prone season. Passengers are urged to check their flight status regularly with airlines before heading to the airport and to build in buffer time for potential delays to minimize inconvenience. The episode at Raja Bhoj Airport serves as a stark reminder for flyers to stay informed and prepared for winter travel uncertainties.
