Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport sees flight delays from dense fog

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (India) experienced widespread disruption on Thursday morning due to dense fog, leading to delays for 48 commercial flights. The low visibility conditions, which persisted between 4:44 AM and 8:00 AM, significantly hampered airport operations, causing inconvenience for numerous passengers and airlines. This incident highlights the persistent challenges airports face with adverse weather, impacting scheduled services and requiring swift operational adjustments.

Of the 48 affected flights, 33 recorded delays exceeding the 15-minute threshold set by the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), indicating a substantial impact on punctuality. Furthermore, two flights were diverted from Bengaluru due to the fog. An Air India Express flight (IX 2923) originating from Mangaluru was rerouted to Chennai, while an Air India flight (AI 2653) from Delhi was diverted to Cochin, underscoring the severity of the weather conditions.

While flight operations at Kempegowda International Airport have since returned to normal, the early morning delays created a ripple effect. Airlines and airport authorities worked to mitigate the backlog, but minor lingering delays were anticipated as a consequence of the initial disruption. Such events often necessitate close coordination between air traffic control, airlines, and ground handling services to restore regular schedules efficiently and safely.