Why Delhi Airport Activated CAT III Protocols Amid Dense Fog Chaos
Key Points
- 1148 flights were cancelled and over 150 delayed at Delhi Airport on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, due to dense fog.
- 2CAT III (Category III) landing protocols were activated, enabling certified aircraft to operate in extremely low visibility.
- 3The DGCA has mandated that airlines strictly comply with passenger facilitation norms during the winter fog window (December 10 to February 10, 2026).
A thick blanket of dense fog severely disrupted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi. The Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) activated CAT III protocols on Wednesday morning. This action was necessary due to extremely low visibility across the National Capital Region.
CAT III procedures allow certified aircraft to land safely. These planes use advanced systems in near-zero visibility conditions. However, the activation still causes significant delays and cancellations.
Operational Impact and Statistics
The disruption was widespread on the last day of the year. A total of 148 flights were cancelled at IGIA on Wednesday. This figure included 78 arrivals and 70 departures. Additionally, more than 150 flights experienced delays. Two flights were also diverted to other cities.
Major Indian carriers quickly issued advisories. IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet all warned passengers. They noted that both arrivals and departures would be impacted. IndiGo stated that flight disruptions could continue if reduced visibility conditions persisted.
The previous day also saw major chaos. At least 118 flights were cancelled on Tuesday. Furthermore, 130 services were delayed at the busy airport. IGIA typically handles around 1,300 flight movements daily.
Regulatory Response and Passenger Rights
This disruption falls within the official 'fog window.' The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced this period runs from December 10 to February 10, 2026.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a strict advisory. They instructed airlines to comply with DGCA passenger facilitation norms. These rules ensure passengers receive timely support.
Key passenger facilitation norms include:
- Timely flight information and status updates.
- Meals and refreshments during extended delays.
- Rebooking or full refunds for cancellations.
- No denial of boarding after timely check-in.
Understanding CAT III Procedures
Low visibility procedures (LVP) begin when visibility drops below 800 meters. CAT III is the most advanced level of these protocols. It allows landings with a Runway Visual Range (RVR) as low as 50 meters. Only aircraft and pilots specifically certified for this operation can proceed.
Airport officials are working with all stakeholders. Their goal is to minimize the cascading effect of delays. Passengers are strongly advised to check their flight status. They should contact their respective airlines before leaving for the airport. This is crucial for managing travel plans during the winter fog season. For more insights on global air travel trends, visit our commercial aviation news section. [link: https://flying.flights]
Adding to the challenge, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was also a factor. The city recorded a "very poor" AQI of 383 on Wednesday morning. This poor air quality often combines with fog to worsen travel conditions. The DGCA continues to monitor the situation closely. Airlines must ensure only certified pilots operate during these conditions.
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