Dense Fog and Runway Repairs Disrupt Flight Operations at Delhi Airport

Amidst the biting cold and severe fog in Delhi, flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) have encountered significant disruptions. The adverse weather conditions, coupled with ongoing runway repairs, have led to chaos at one of India’s busiest airports.

Fog-Induced Flight Delays

The thick blanket of fog has severely impacted visibility, causing delays in over 100 flights on Monday morning, as reported by the flight tracker website flightradar24. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that Delhi Airport currently operates with only one CAT III-equipped runway suitable for low-visibility operations. Runway 28/10 has been closed for scheduled re-carpeting since mid-September, contributing to the operational challenges.

Importance of CAT-III Training

The diversion of flights during fog is contingent on pilots being CAT-III trained. Category III (CAT-III) entails international standards for precision instrument approach and landing in adverse weather conditions. Pilots with CAT-III training possess the qualifications for Category III instrument landing approaches, utilizing advanced autopilot and ground equipment for safe landings in conditions like dense fog or heavy rain.

Impact on Flight Operations

Five flights were diverted from Delhi Airport to Jaipur (04) and Ahmedabad (01) between 1 am and 5 am on Monday. Visibility at IGI was recorded as zero at 3 am, gradually improving later. The disruptions prompted Delhi Airport to issue an advisory urging passengers to contact airlines for updated flight information before traveling.

Challenging Weather Conditions

Delhi witnessed its coldest morning this winter on Monday, with the minimum temperature dropping further to 3.3°C at Safdarjung. The dense fog and low visibility also affected flight operations across North India on Sunday, causing significant challenges for airlines, including IndiGo.

Airlines Respond to Disruptions

IndiGo Airlines issued an official statement acknowledging the impact of low visibility and dense fog on flight operations. The adverse conditions led to delays and cancellations, affecting their services throughout the day. The airline expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to passengers and assured them that staff made every effort to provide timely updates and assistance.

In response to the disruptions, the airport authority posted on social media, “Due to dense fog, flight operations at Delhi Airport may be affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information.”

As winter conditions persist, travelers are advised to stay informed about potential disruptions and check with airlines for the latest updates on their flights.