Delhi Fog Chaos Grounds Flights, Airlines Issue Mass Cancellations

Air India issued a major travel advisory for passengers on Friday. The alert warns of widespread flight disruptions. The cause is dense fog blanketing Delhi and other northern regions.

The airline said operations will be impacted across its network. This official confirmation followed severe weather forecasts. Other carriers like IndiGo faced similar operational nightmares.

Hundreds of Flights Axed as Visibility Drops to Zero

Massive disruptions hit Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Data from Flightradar24 showed nearly 500 flights were delayed. A total of 177 flights were fully cancelled, according to PTI reports.

The cancellations included both domestic and international services. The ripple effect stranded thousands of travelers nationwide. Airlines scrambled to adjust schedules in real-time.

Air India listed several key airports facing major issues. These included Delhi, Amritsar, Lucknow, and Varanasi. The fog window created a domino effect of delays.

Passenger Assistance and Broader Travel Impact

Airlines activated contingency plans to help affected flyers. Air India referenced its “FogCare” initiative in the advisory. It allows free rescheduling or full refunds for impacted tickets.

The Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed it was monitoring the situation closely. It said airport directors were told to provide full passenger support. Decisions were being made with the India Meteorological Department.

IndiGo and Air India Express also issued their own warnings. IndiGo noted operations would be slower due to strict safety protocols. The chaotic scene is expected to continue while fog persists.

Travel plans were thrown into disarray across North India this weekend. The widespread flight disruptions highlighted winter travel vulnerabilities. Airlines are urging passengers to check their flight status directly before heading to any airport.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

Q1: Which airports are most affected by the fog?

Air India specifically listed Delhi, Amritsar, Lucknow, Varanasi, Chandigarh, and Patna. These hubs in northern and eastern India are experiencing the worst visibility issues, leading to the bulk of cancellations.

Q2: Can I get a refund if my flight is canceled?

Yes. Under initiatives like Air India’s FogCare, passengers on affected flights are eligible for a full refund without penalty. They can also reschedule their travel without incurring extra charges.

Q3: Are other airlines besides Air India affected?

Absolutely. IndiGo issued a similar advisory, noting slowed operations. Air India Express also canceled numerous flights from Delhi to cities like Pune, Goa, and Varanasi due to the dense fog.

Q4: How long are these flight disruptions expected to last?

The disruptions coincide with the current dense fog conditions. The situation is fluid and depends on daily weather patterns. Passengers should expect possible delays until the fog lifts significantly.

Q5: What is the government doing about the situation?

The Civil Aviation Ministry stated it is coordinating with weather officials. It has instructed airlines to inform passengers early and offer refunds. Airport staff have been directed to provide all necessary assistance to travelers.