Severe fog and haze conditions across North India have triggered significant disruptions to air travel, with major airlines like Air India and SpiceJet issuing urgent travel advisories. The primary hub affected is Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), where visibility dropped to near-zero levels in the early hours, forcing authorities to implement stringent low-visibility procedures.
Airlines Issue Proactive Weather Advisories
Air India has formally acknowledged the challenging weather forecast, warning passengers that dense fog and poor visibility are likely to impact flight operations at its core Delhi hub and several airports across northern and eastern India over the coming days. The airline emphasized that these disruptions could have a cascading effect on its wider network.
To assist travelers, especially during the busy holiday season, Air India has urged all passengers to check their flight status on the airline's official website before heading to the airport. The carrier has also outlined several proactive measures under its 'FogCare' initiative. This program provides advance alerts to passengers on flights likely to be affected, offering them the flexibility to reschedule without extra charges or opt for a full refund without any penalty.
SpiceJet has similarly been active on its official social media channels, posting multiple alerts regarding the adverse weather. The airline stated that due to bad weather and dense fog in Delhi, all departures, arrivals, and connecting flights could face delays or cancellations. SpiceJet's advisories also specifically mentioned potential impacts at other northern airports, including Varanasi (VNS), Darbhanga (DBR), Ayodhya (AYJ), Patna (PAT), and Gorakhpur (GOP).
What Passengers Need to Know
With airport authorities and airlines scrambling to manage the weather-induced chaos, the onus is also on passengers to stay informed. The key recommendations from the advisories are clear:
- Always check your flight's real-time status via the airline's official website or app before leaving for the airport.
- If your flight is booked with Air India and falls within the fog-affected window, you may be eligible for no-charge rescheduling or a penalty-free refund under the FogCare plan.
- SpiceJet passengers are advised to monitor the airline's updates closely for changes to their flight schedules.
- Both airlines have assured that their ground staff will be available round-the-clock to assist affected passengers with alternative arrangements.
The situation underscores the annual winter challenge for aviation in North India. While airlines are implementing measures to mitigate inconvenience, passenger safety remains the paramount concern, leading to inevitable delays and cancellations when visibility plummets. Travelers are advised to factor in potential disruptions and plan accordingly.
