Dense fog and poor visibility conditions across Northern India led to the cancellation of several IndiGo flights on Monday, December 16, causing significant disruption to the airline's domestic network. The low-cost carrier issued an early morning travel advisory, warning passengers of potential delays and schedule changes.
IndiGo's Fog Advisory and Affected Cities
IndiGo took to its official X handle (formerly Twitter) at approximately 4:04 AM on December 16 to share an official travel advisory with passengers. The airline stated that early morning fog, a common winter occurrence in North India, was slowing down flight movements at several airports.
The advisory specifically mentioned that cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai were experiencing the impact of the adverse weather. However, the airline clarified that not all flights operating from these airports were cancelled. The situation remained fluid, with schedules subject to change based on real-time weather updates.
Passenger Guidelines and Airline Preparedness
In its communication, IndiGo strongly advised travellers to take proactive steps to manage their journeys. The airline provided a direct link to its real-time flight status page and urged passengers to monitor it closely before heading to the airport.
The key recommendations for passengers included:
- Continuously checking the real-time flight status on the IndiGo website or mobile app.
- Allowing extra time for travel to the airport to account for potential ground delays.
- Paying close attention to airline alerts and announcements at the airport.
IndiGo assured flyers that its operational teams were well-prepared and actively monitoring the weather conditions. The airline stated it was making thoughtful ground-level adjustments, such as modifying departure slots and coordinating with airport authorities, to minimize passenger inconvenience and ensure comfortable waiting periods where necessary.
Winter Fog: A Recurring Challenge for Aviation
The disruption highlights the persistent challenge that winter fog poses to aviation operations in India, particularly between December and January. Airports in and around the National Capital Region (NCR) are often the most severely affected due to sharp declines in visibility, which routinely lead to flight delays, diversions, and cancellations.
IndiGo's advisory framed the issue as a seasonal, weather-dependent phenomenon, emphasizing that early morning hours are most vulnerable to these foggy conditions. The airline's proactive notice was intended to help passengers plan their travel with greater ease during the winter months.
Passengers are reminded to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and official airline communications before commencing their journey to the airport.
