Why 97 Flights Were Cancelled at Delhi Airport Amid Dense Fog

Dense fog and low visibility conditions severely impacted air travel at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Sunday. A total of 97 flights were cancelled at the Delhi airport. This included 48 arrivals and 49 departures, according to officials. The widespread weather event also caused over 200 flights to be delayed.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24.com confirmed the extensive delays. The average delay time for departing flights was around 23 minutes. These disruptions are part of a multi-day pattern affecting flight operations disrupted across North India.

Low Visibility Procedures Activated

DIAL, the airport operator, confirmed that Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) were in effect. LVP is a protocol activated when Runway Visual Range (RVR) drops below a certain threshold. Despite the significant Delhi airport flight cancellations, DIAL stated at noon that operations were running smoothly. The airport typically handles about 1,300 flights daily.

IGIA is equipped for CAT-III compliant operations, which use an advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS). This technology allows aircraft to land in extremely low visibility, sometimes with RVR as low as 50 meters. However, even with CAT-III, take-offs often require a higher minimum RVR, typically 125 meters, which can still lead to major delays and cancellations.

Regulatory and Airline Response

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designated a specific fog window for the winter season. This period, often running from December to February, requires airlines and airports to have contingency plans. The DGCA monitors compliance to ensure passenger safety and convenience.

Major carriers issued airline travel advisory notices to passengers. IndiGo had warned passengers on Saturday of potential winter weather disruptions. The airline cited reduced visibility in the early hours as a risk factor. They advised that this could lead to delays or schedule changes.

• Airlines are closely monitoring weather conditions to minimize passenger inconvenience.
• Passengers are urged to check their flight status before traveling to the airport.
• The North India dense fog has a cascading effect on the entire national network.

Impact on Commercial Aviation

Seasonal fog is a recurring challenge for commercial aviation news in North India. The combination of dense fog and poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) often in the “very poor” category, complicates matters. This dual challenge places immense pressure on flight crews and ground staff.

Disruptions at a major hub like Indira Gandhi International Airport cause a ripple effect. Delays and cancellations impact aircraft rotation, crew duty times, and passenger connections across the country. Airlines must manage re-bookings and refunds for thousands of affected travelers. The situation underscores the critical role of advanced navigation technology and robust contingency planning for safe and efficient air travel during the winter months.