Why Dense Fog Crippled Indira Gandhi International Airport, Cancelling 148 Flights
Key Points
- 1148 flights were cancelled and over 150 delayed at IGIA on Wednesday due to dense fog and low visibility of 50 meters.
- 2Airport operations shifted to CAT III low-visibility procedures, which allow landings but restrict take-offs due to minimum RVR requirements.
- 3Air India activated its 'FogCare' initiative, offering complimentary rescheduling or full refunds to passengers affected by the disruption.
- 4The weather event coincided with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 384, categorized as 'very poor,' compounding the city's winter challenges.
Dense fog caused widespread flight disruption at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi on Wednesday.
At least 148 flights were cancelled and over 150 were delayed, severely impacting passenger travel. Officials confirmed that 78 arrivals and 70 departures were called off, with two flights diverted. IGIA, operated by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), manages about 1,300 flight movements daily.
Operational Impact: CAT III Procedures
The severe weather forced the airport to activate CAT III low-visibility procedures.
Visibility dropped to a critical 50 meters at both Palam and Safdarjung observatories in the early morning. CAT III is an advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS) that allows aircraft to land in minimal visibility. However, even with this technology, take-offs often require a higher minimum Runway Visual Range (RVR), leading to cancellations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designated the period from December 10 to February 10 as the official fog season.
Airline and Regulatory Response
Airlines and regulators quickly issued advisories to manage the chaos. The Ministry of Civil Aviation urged passengers to check official airline channels and allow extra time for airport procedures. The Ministry also mandated that airlines strictly adhere to passenger service norms. These rules cover timely information, assistance during delays, rebooking, or refunds where applicable.
IndiGo posted an advisory on X, noting that foggy conditions were likely to extend into the noon hours. The airline assured customers that movements were being sequenced for steady and orderly flow. Air India shared a detailed advisory late Tuesday night, including its “Air India FogCare initiative.” This program proactively alerts passengers and offers complimentary rescheduling or a full refund without penalty for affected flights. This measure helps ease airport congestion and minimizes passenger inconvenience.
DIAL also posted an advisory at 10 am, confirming that visibility was improving but cautioning that some flights might still be affected. Airport teams are working closely with all stakeholders to assist passengers.
Broader Network and Air Quality Concerns
The disruption in Delhi, a major hub, creates a cascading effect across the entire northern India air network. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) highlighted that low visibility is affecting operations at several northern airports.
- The DGCA requires airlines to roster pilots trained for low-visibility conditions.
- The dense fog cancellation events are a recurring seasonal challenge for the region.
Beyond aviation, the dense fog coincided with hazardous air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 384, placing it in the 'very poor' category. Officials linked the poor air quality to low wind speeds and an unfavorable ventilation index, which prevents pollutants from dispersing. The AQI was forecast to potentially deteriorate to 'severe' on January 1.
These seasonal weather challenges highlight the critical need for advanced operational planning in commercial aviation news and logistics. Adherence to global standards, such as those promoted by IATA, is essential for mitigating operational risk during adverse weather. For the latest updates on global aviation news, visit https://flying.flights.
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