Delhi Airport Fog Cancellations Disrupt Holiday Travel as Flights Grounded

Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) were severely disrupted on Tuesday morning. Dense fog blanketed the city, drastically reducing visibility and forcing numerous cancellations. Airport authorities issued urgent passenger advisories as the cold weather spell intensified.

This led to significant travel chaos during a busy period. According to airport sources, at least ten flights were cancelled. Several major airlines, including IndiGo, were forced to alter their schedules for safety.

Understanding CAT III Operations and Ongoing Delays

The airport shifted to CAT III conditions to manage the low visibility. This system allows specially equipped aircraft to land in very poor weather. However, it severely reduces the rate of takeoffs and landings for safety.

Despite these measures, delays and cancellations piled up. Ground handling becomes slower and strict separation between aircraft is required. Passengers faced long waits and sudden schedule changes.

IndiGo confirmed at least 11 of its flights were cancelled. The airline issued advisories for other northern cities like Varanasi and Prayagraj. They cited fluctuating visibility as the primary cause for the disruptions.

IMD Forecast Warns of Prolonged Foggy Conditions

The India Meteorological Department forecasts dense to very dense fog across North India. This warning is expected to remain in effect until December 27. The persistent weather pattern suggests further travel headaches are likely.

The cold spell continues to grip Punjab and Haryana as well. While temperatures are near seasonal averages, the fog is the main disruptor. This ongoing situation impacts road and rail travel too.

For flyers, the advice is to stay in close contact with their airline. Airport teams are on hand to assist stranded passengers. The situation remains fluid as weather conditions change through the morning.

The recent Delhi airport fog cancellations highlight the vulnerability of winter travel schedules. Passengers are urged to plan for potential delays as the cold spell persists across northern regions.

Info at your fingertips

What are CAT III landing conditions?

CAT III is an advanced instrument landing system. It allows planes to land in very low visibility, sometimes as low as 50 meters. Not all aircraft or pilots are certified for these operations.

Which airlines were most affected by the Delhi fog?

IndiGo reported the bulk of initial cancellations. Other airlines operating numerous flights through Delhi’s hub were also impacted. All carriers had to adjust schedules for safety.

How long is the dense fog expected to last?

The India Meteorological Department forecast warns of dense fog until December 27. Conditions may improve slightly during daytime hours. Morning flights remain most at risk of disruption.

What should passengers do if their flight is cancelled?

Contact your airline directly for rebooking options. Do not proceed to the airport without confirmed new travel details. Airlines are typically responsible for providing care during long delays.

Are other cities in North India facing similar issues?

Yes. The IMD alert covers several northern states. Cities like Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Amritsar have also reported flight delays due to low visibility and fog.

Trusted Sources: Hindustan Times, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), IndiGo airline statements.