Operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) were thrown into disarray on Sunday, as a thick blanket of dense fog severely hampered flight movements. The adverse weather conditions, which drastically reduced runway visibility, led to the cancellation of a staggering 228 flights and the diversion of 5 others to alternative airports.
Visibility Plummets, Flight Schedule in Turmoil
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility at the airport dropped to a mere 50 meters during the early hours of the morning. This intense fog, a common winter phenomenon in North India, made it extremely challenging for aircraft to take off or land safely. Consequently, airlines were forced to make large-scale adjustments to their schedules, causing widespread inconvenience to thousands of passengers.
Both domestic and international operations were impacted. While the exact split between domestic and international cancellations was not immediately detailed, the scale of disruption affected a significant portion of the airport's daily traffic. Passengers were seen crowded at terminals, anxiously waiting for updates from airline counters and flight information display systems, which showed a long list of delayed and cancelled services.
Passenger Woes and Airport Advisory
Travelers bore the brunt of the disruption, facing hours of uncertainty and long waits. Many took to social media to express their frustration, sharing images and videos of crowded lounges and lengthy queues. The airport authorities and airlines issued advisories, urging passengers to check their flight status directly with their respective airlines before heading to the airport.
An airport spokesperson emphasized that while all runway operations were compliant with the CAT III Instrument Landing System—a technology that allows aircraft to land in low visibility—the intensity of the fog exceeded even these capabilities at times. "Safety is paramount," the spokesperson stated, explaining the rationale behind the cancellations and diversions.
Broader Weather Pattern and Future Outlook
The fog episode in Delhi is part of a larger cold wave gripping parts of North India. The IMD has forecast similar conditions to persist, indicating the potential for continued early morning fog over the next few days. This warning suggests that air travelers flying in or out of Delhi should remain prepared for possible delays and schedule changes.
This incident highlights the recurring challenge that Indian airports, particularly in the northern plains, face during the winter months. It underscores the importance of passengers staying informed through official channels and airlines building more robust contingency plans for such weather-related disruptions. The ripple effect of these cancellations is also likely to be felt across the national aviation network, impacting connecting flights in other cities.
