Why Did IndiGo's Mumbai-Chandigarh Flight Return After Five Hours Airborne?

An IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Chandigarh was forced to return to its origin. The incident occurred on January 15, 2026, due to dense fog aviation disruption in North India. Approximately 180 passengers were aboard the flight, IndiGo 6E6715. The aircraft remained airborne for nearly five hours before landing back in Mumbai. This unexpected flight return without landing triggered significant passenger frustration and chaos at the airport.

Operational Timeline and Passenger Impact

IndiGo flight 6E6715 was scheduled to depart Mumbai at 8:20 PM. It eventually took off late, departing at 9:39 PM. As the flight approached its destination, Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh, visibility dropped sharply. Extremely low visibility made a safe landing impossible. The aircraft was diverted before ultimately returning to Mumbai, landing at 2:19 AM.

Passengers reported raising concerns about the weather before departure. Upon returning, they alleged a lack of clear information and immediate alternative arrangements. Some passengers reported having to arrange onward travel from Delhi at their own expense. The situation highlights the challenge of managing passenger frustration and chaos during severe weather events.

The CAT-ILS-II Limitation

The primary cause for the disruption was the infrastructure limitation at the destination airport. Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport currently operates with a CAT-ILS-II (Category II Instrument Landing System) on Runway 29. This system is insufficient for handling severe fog conditions. Category II ILS requires a Runway Visual Range (RVR) not less than 300 meters. However, airport sources reported visibility frequently dropped below 50 meters during the fog episode.

Under such low visibility, the current landing system becomes ineffective. This forces airlines to cancel or divert flights for safety reasons. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) sets strict guidelines for low visibility operations India. DGCA Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) are enforced when RVR drops below 800 meters. For RVR below 300 meters, a higher-category system, such as CAT III, is typically required.

• CAT I: RVR not less than 550 meters.
• CAT II: RVR not less than 300 meters.
• CAT III: RVR less than 300 meters or no RVR limitation.

Broader Winter Fog Flight Cancellations

The IndiGo incident was part of a wider disruption across North India. The winter fog flight cancellations severely impacted air traffic in the region. At Chandigarh Airport alone, a total of 26 flights were cancelled on one day. Additionally, 28 flights experienced significant delays. This included 14 departure and 12 arrival cancellations. The widespread delays affected both domestic and international schedules. This annual challenge underscores the need for upgraded infrastructure. Airports must be equipped with higher-category ILS systems to ensure operational resilience. The DGCA requires airlines to use pilots trained for these specialized conditions. This compliance is crucial for maintaining safety and schedule integrity during the winter season.

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