Air India Express Flight Forced to Divert to Ahmedabad as Dense Fog Cripples Delhi

A Delhi-bound Air India Express flight was unexpectedly diverted on Monday. The aircraft was traveling from Goa’s Mopa Airport to the national capital. Dense fog over Delhi made landing impossible, forcing it to reroute to Ahmedabad instead.The flight had departed late Sunday night. It was scheduled to land at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) Terminal 1 in the early morning hours. According to ANI, Jaipur Airport was also unavailable due to congestion from other diverted flights.

Widespread Travel Chaos as Fog Blankets North India

The diversion is part of a larger wave of travel disruption. A dense fog layer engulfed Delhi, severely reducing visibility. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert for very dense fog conditions.Delhi Airport immediately activated its CAT III instrument landing systems. This technology helps pilots land in extremely low visibility. Despite this, the airport operator warned passengers of significant delays and potential cancellations.Passengers were advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Airlines requested travelers to allow extra time for their journeys. The airport’s ground teams worked to assist affected passengers throughout the disruption.

Airlines Activate Contingency Plans and “Fog Care” Measures

Airlines implemented special protocols to manage the crisis. Air India highlighted its proactive “FogCare” initiative for affected passengers. This program sends advance alerts and offers flexible rebooking options without extra charges.Other carriers, including IndiGo, issued similar travel advisories. They confirmed that operations at Delhi and nearby Hindon airports were impacted. Safety and strict compliance with visibility regulations remained the top priority for all operations.The situation underscores the annual winter challenge for aviation in northern India. While systems are in place, severe fog continues to test airport capacity and airline schedules. Travelers are likely to face similar disruptions throughout the season.

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The diversion of the Air India Express flight highlights the severe impact of dense fog on Delhi’s aviation hub. Passengers must stay informed through official channels as weather conditions remain volatile.

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Q1: Why was the flight diverted to Ahmedabad and not Jaipur?

Jaipur Airport was reportedly already congested. Several other flights had been diverted there earlier due to the same foggy conditions, leaving Ahmedabad as the viable alternate airport.

Q2: What is Air India’s “FogCare” initiative?

It is a proactive measure for passengers booked on select flights during fog. It provides advance mobile alerts and offers options to reschedule or get a full refund without any penalty charges.

Q3: Were other airlines affected by the fog in Delhi?

Yes. Airlines like IndiGo issued travel advisories, confirming that fluctuating visibility at Delhi and Hindon airports was affecting flight schedules and causing slower operations.

Q4: What should passengers do when fog is forecast?

Passengers should check their flight status directly with the airline before leaving for the airport. They should also allow considerable extra time for travel due to expected road and airport delays.

Trusted Sources: ANI, India Meteorological Department (IMD).