Why IndiGo Flights Face Delays as Dense Fog Shrouds Hindon Airport

IndiGo has issued a travel advisory for passengers using Hindon Airport in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Persistent dense fog is currently disrupting flight operations in the region. This weather condition is causing slower movement for both arrivals and departures.

Operational Impact and Safety Priority

The heavy fog continues to linger over Hindon Airport. This results in potential short delays across the IndiGo network. The airline noted that fluctuating visibility is also affecting operations at other key North and East Indian airports. These include facilities in Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Ranchi.

Safety remains the airline's top priority during these conditions. All flight movements strictly comply with required visibility standards. IndiGo teams are on the ground to assist passengers at the terminal. The airline is closely monitoring the situation as weather conditions evolve. Passengers are urged to check their flight status before traveling to the airport.

Regulatory Context: DGCA Fog Operations

These winter fog flight delays are a routine challenge for Indian aviation safety. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) designates a specific winter fog window. This period typically runs from early December to early February. Airlines must adhere to stringent low-visibility procedures during this time.

This includes following DGCA CAT-IIIB norms for landings. Category-III systems allow aircraft to land in dense fog. This is possible when the Runway Visual Range (RVR) drops below 50 meters. Airlines must also roster pilots specifically trained for these low-visibility operations. The DGCA mandates the use of compliant aircraft fleet for these airports. Adherence to these rules ensures passenger safety despite the weather.

IndiGo's International Expansion Strategy

The operational disruption comes amid a major international expansion push by the carrier. IndiGo recently announced a new direct service. This route will connect Delhi and London (Heathrow), starting February 2, 2026. The service will operate five times per week.

This long-haul route will utilize a Boeing 787 aircraft. The wide-body jet is secured via a wet-lease from Norse Atlantic Airways. The aircraft will feature a dual-class cabin configuration. This includes the airline's premium 'IndiGoStretch' product. This new service will bring IndiGo's total weekly flights to London to 12. This total includes the existing daily service between Mumbai and London Heathrow.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers noted the new route. He stated it will support growing demand for travel between India and the UK. The airline has added 10 new international destinations in the last year. This is part of its broader internationalisation strategy. For more on global airline operations and safety, visit this commercial aviation news source. The simultaneous management of domestic fog disruptions and international expansion highlights the complexity of modern airline operations, a key focus for the IATA and other global bodies. The airline is balancing safety with its ambitious growth plans, including the new route on the Boeing Dreamliner.