Severe Fog Disrupts Flights Across North India, Travel Chaos Expected to Continue
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A blanket of dense smog and fog has descended upon North India, causing widespread disruption to flight services as of Thursday morning. Visibility has plummeted to near zero in many areas, leading to significant delays and cancellations, particularly at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.
The severe weather conditions are impacting travel plans across the region, with major airlines issuing advisories to passengers. Delhi Airport has implemented Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) and is currently operating under CAT III conditions, requiring specialized technical support for landings. Despite these measures, disruptions are unavoidable.
Airline Responses to the Fog Crisis
Several airlines have proactively addressed the situation, informing passengers of potential impacts and offering flexible options.
Air India has launched its “FogCare” project to assist affected travelers, acknowledging the low visibility conditions impacting its Delhi hub and airports in the northern and eastern parts of the country. The airline is offering:
- Advance Alerts: Real-time updates delivered directly to mobile devices.
- Free Rescheduling: Passengers can change their flights without incurring additional charges.
- Full Refunds: Complete reimbursement is available for those choosing to cancel due to fog-related delays.
SpiceJet has warned passengers that all departures and arrivals at Delhi airport, including connecting flights, may be affected, urging travelers to verify their flight status on the airline’s website before heading to the airport.
IndiGo has experienced particularly severe disruptions in Chandigarh, announcing widespread flight cancellations throughout the day due to safety concerns and advising passengers to carefully plan their journeys.
Worsening Conditions Forecasted
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates that the current conditions are unlikely to improve significantly in the short term. The forecast for Delhi remains concerning:
- December 18, 20, and 23: Shallow to moderate fog is expected in the mornings.
- December 21 & 22: Dense fog is predicted, potentially triggering another wave of flight cancellations.
Airport authorities are working to minimize inconvenience, leveraging CAT III-B landing capabilities. However, the intensity of the smog is slowing down aircraft turnaround time, contributing to a growing backlog. Passengers are strongly advised to confirm their flight schedules with their respective airlines before traveling to the airport.
The ongoing crisis underscores the vulnerability of air travel to extreme weather events and the importance of proactive measures to mitigate disruptions.