Severe fog and low visibility have caused major disruption at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), forcing airport authorities to cancel 228 flights and divert five others. The weather disturbance has created widespread inconvenience for travellers across the capital and beyond.
What Happened at Delhi Airport Today?
On Monday, December 15, dense fog blanketed Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region. The fog drastically reduced visibility for pilots and airport operations, leading to cancellations and diversions of flights. Airport officials confirmed that 131 departures and 97 arrivals were cancelled as a result of poor visibility.
In addition to cancellations, five flights were diverted to other airports to ensure passenger safety amid the thick fog.
Why Fog Disrupts Flight Operations?
Dense fog affects the visibility pilots need to take off and land safely. When runway visibility drops below safe limits, air traffic controllers may delay, divert, or cancel flights to avoid risk. Airports rely on specialized systems like CAT III landing equipment to handle low visibility, but extreme weather can still cause disruptions.
This is not the first time winter fog has impacted IGIA. Similar conditions in previous years halted or delayed hundreds of flights due to near-zero visibility.
Major Impact on Passengers
The cancellations affect travellers across domestic and international routes. Many passengers were left stranded, while others faced long waits for rescheduled flights. Airlines have advised passengers to:
- Check flight status before leaving for the airport
- Stay in touch with airline customer service for updates
- Expect delays and changes throughout the day
- Air India and IndiGo both issued advisories saying that low visibility affected flight departures and arrivals and urged passengers to double-check schedules.
Flight Diversions and Operational Adjustments
Five flights were diverted to alternate airports to maintain safety. Diversions happen when a flight cannot land safely at its intended airport due to conditions like fog, strong winds, or runway closure. In some previous fog events, numerous flights were diverted to nearby airports when visibility reached levels unsafe for landing.
Travel Advice for Affected Flyers
Travellers heading to or from Delhi airport are advised to:
- Confirm flight status online before travel
- Arrive early due to possible changes
- Anticipate longer wait times at check-in and security
- Consider flexible booking options if available
Airlines often offer rebooking or refund options for flights cancelled due to weather. It’s best to contact your airline directly for assistance.
Broader Weather Conditions in Delhi
Dense fog in Delhi is common in winter and often results from a combination of cold temperatures and air pollution, especially in the early mornings. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) frequently forecasts whiteout conditions during peak winter months. Fog not only affects aviation but also impacts road and rail travel, leading to slower traffic and delayed trains on some days.
Previous Disruptions Due to Dense Fog
In past years, dense fog has led to widespread air travel disruptions at Delhi airport:
- More than 400 flights were delayed during one winter fog event.
- Heavy fog caused zero visibility at some runways, pushing back schedules and forcing passengers to reschedule.
- These recurring weather events underline the challenges airports face in the winter months.
