Smog Causes Widespread Flight Cancellations at Delhi Airport

Hundreds of IndiGo flights faced severe delays and cancellations today. This occurred at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Dense winter fog caused major operational chaos. The disruptions began in the early morning hours of December 19th.

Flightradar24.com data confirms over 230 flights were delayed. The airport authority reported nearly 80 flight cancellations. This has left thousands of passengers stranded and seeking information.

Operational Chaos as Northern India Airspace Clears

Data from flight tracking services showed a stark scene. Northern India’s airspace had minimal traffic for hours. This was a direct result of the low visibility.

The average delay for departing flights hit 49 minutes. According to Flightradar24, a staggering 81% of departures were behind schedule. The disruptions were not limited to one airline. SpiceJet and Air India Express also reported widespread schedule changes. They cited the same challenging weather conditions.

Passenger Impact and Airline Response to Fog Crisis

Airlines have activated their contingency plans. IndiGo and SpiceJet advised passengers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport. Both carriers offered refunds or rebooking options for affected travelers.

The India Meteorological Department warned the fog would persist. They forecast dense conditions during morning and evening hours. This suggests disruptions could continue for several days. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has deployed teams at airports to assist frustrated passengers.

The ongoing fog-related disruptions highlight the annual winter challenge for Indian aviation. Passengers are urged to stay in direct contact with their airline for the latest IndiGo flight status and allow significant extra time for all travel.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How many IndiGo flights were cancelled today?

Officials reported nearly 79 flight cancellations to and from Delhi Airport on December 19th. This number is in addition to the hundreds of flights that were significantly delayed throughout the day.

Q2: What should I do if my IndiGo flight is cancelled?

IndiGo has stated that impacted customers will receive notifications. You can visit their website to choose an alternate flight or claim a full refund through their ‘Plan B’ portal. Do not go to the airport without confirmation.

Q3: Why does fog cause so many flight delays?

Fog drastically reduces visibility, making take-offs and landings unsafe. Only aircraft and pilots certified for Category III (CAT III) Instrument Landing Systems can operate in very low visibility, causing backups for non-compliant flights.

Q4: Are other airlines affected besides IndiGo?

Yes. Major carriers like SpiceJet and Air India Express have also cancelled and delayed numerous flights. The fog is impacting all airline operations across Northern Indian airports.

Q5: How long are these flight disruptions expected to last?

The India Meteorological Department forecasts continued foggy conditions. Travelers should expect similar disruptions over the coming days, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.

Q6: What is the official source for flight status updates?

Passengers should only check official channels. Use the airline’s official website or mobile app. You can also refer to real-time data from the Airports Authority of India for the most accurate information.