A thick blanket of dense fog descended upon the national capital on Monday, 29 December, causing a sharp drop in visibility and significant disruption to air travel. The sudden deterioration in weather conditions led to flight delays and cancellations, prompting immediate advisories from airport authorities and major airlines.
Delhi Airport Operates Under CAT III Amid Poor Visibility
Delhi Airport officially announced that all flight operations were being conducted under CAT III instrument landing system conditions due to the extremely poor visibility. This specialized system allows aircraft to land in low-visibility scenarios, but it often leads to reduced traffic flow. The airport issued a passenger advisory, cautioning travellers about likely delays and cancellations.
"Flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III conditions due to dense fog, which may result in delays and cancellations," the airport stated. It further added that ground teams were on hand to assist passengers and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the weather-induced disruptions.
Airlines Issue Proactive Advisories to Passengers
In response to the challenging conditions, airlines operating to and from Delhi swiftly communicated with passengers. SpiceJet warned that the adverse weather in Delhi could impact departures, arrivals, and connecting flights. The airline strongly advised passengers to check their flight status on its official website before starting their journey to the airport.
Air India also released a statement, noting that weather forecasts had predicted dense fog with low visibility in parts of northern India, including Delhi, on Monday morning. The national carrier assured that it had taken proactive steps to minimise disruption. Its ground teams were prepared to provide all necessary assistance in case of delays, diversions, or cancellations.
Air India's 'FogCare' Initiative Activated
Highlighting a customer-friendly measure, Air India flagged its 'FogCare' initiative. Under this program, passengers booked on select flights during the fog-prone period receive advance alerts directly on their registered mobile numbers. The initiative also offers flexible options, allowing affected passengers to reschedule their journey without extra charges or opt for a full refund without any penalty.
Both airlines and airport authorities uniformly advised travellers to check their flight status online before leaving home and to allow extra time for travel. They emphasised that winter fog conditions in North India typically intensify during the early morning hours, leading to maximum operational impact at that time.
