As New Year celebrations wind down, travelers across North India are facing significant disruptions due to persistent dense fog. Major airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have issued travel advisories warning passengers of widespread delays and cancellations affecting flight schedules.
Airlines Issue Fog Advisories for Passengers
Air India has formally alerted travelers about low visibility conditions impacting parts of northern India, including Delhi. The airline stated that this weather phenomenon is likely to affect flight schedules across its network. To assist passengers, Air India is directing them to check their flight status online before leaving for the airport.
The carrier has also highlighted its 'FogCare' initiative, designed specifically for such situations. This program provides advance alerts to passengers on flights most likely to be affected. Crucially, it offers them the choice to either reschedule their flight at no extra cost or receive a full refund. For immediate assistance, travelers can contact the airline's helplines at +91 11 69329333 or +91 11 69329999.
Widespread Cancellations and Extended Delays
These advisories come on the heels of severe operational chaos witnessed on Wednesday at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The fog led to the cancellation of 78 arrival and 70 departure flights. In a more serious development, two flights destined for Delhi had to be diverted to other cities due to the dangerously low visibility.
IndiGo, another major carrier, has echoed similar concerns. The airline warned that the impact on flight movements is likely to extend into the noon hours and that some flights will continue to face potential delays. The foggy conditions are not limited to Delhi but are affecting several airports across northern India.
Airline Assurances and Passenger Guidance
In its advisory, IndiGo assured passengers that flight departures and arrivals are being carefully sequenced to ensure orderly movement. The airline emphasized that its airport teams are stationed at key touchpoints to provide necessary support to affected travelers. They have thanked passengers for their patience while acknowledging the ongoing inconvenience.
The key takeaway for all air travelers is to proactively check their flight status using the airline's official channels before commencing their journey to the airport. With visibility yet to improve fully, the situation remains fluid, and passengers are advised to plan for possible delays and keep in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates.
