Mariusz Lewandowski
Severe fog conditions disrupt flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, leading to widespread delays.
On Wednesday morning, dense fog enveloped the Delhi airport, causing visibility to plummet to a mere 100 metres for nearly three hours, as detailed by FlightRadar24. With more than 300 flights affected, officials confirmed that no flights were diverted or cancelled, despite the challenging conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the visibility dipped drastically between 5:30 AM and 8:30 AM, but showed improvement to 300 metres by 9:30 AM. In the early hours, the airport issued a warning on social media regarding potential flight delays. Passengers were encouraged to check with their airlines for the latest updates, as flights that were not CAT III compliant might face disruptions.
Despite the low visibility, various weather conditions at originating airports contributed to some additional delays. The airport’s low visibility procedures were activated to facilitate safe operations. These procedures allow pilots with specific training (CAT-compliant) to land under varying visibility parameters, ranging from 50 to 800 metres.
The IMD also forecasts moderate to dense fog for Thursday, marking an early onset of fog season, which began on November 13 this year. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and informed as conditions continue to evolve.
Fog Chaos: What Travelers Need to Know About Delhi Airport Disruptions
Understanding the Impact of Fog at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport
Severe fog has become a recurrent issue at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, notably disrupting flight schedules due to significant visibility challenges. On a typical day, flights can be affected by a sudden drop in visibility, as experienced recently when it fell to just 100 metres in the early morning hours.
# Visibility and Flight Operations
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility conditions at the airport worsened dramatically between 5:30 AM and 8:30 AM, leading to complications for numerous flights. By 9:30 AM, visibility had only slightly improved to 300 metres. During this period, more than 300 flights faced delays, although no cancellations or diversions were officially recorded.
To mitigate the effects of low visibility, the airport employs special low visibility procedures. Pilots trained under CAT III conditions are permitted to land when visibility deteriorates to as low as 50 metres, a critical feature that allows operations to continue even under challenging weather scenarios.
# Preparations for Travelers
Travelers should be proactive when flying from Delhi airport during fog season. Here are key recommendations:
– Check Flight Status: Always verify your flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport. Use their apps or websites for real-time updates.
– Be Aware of Delays: Even if your flight is not delayed, anticipate potential delays in your arrival if transferring to another mode of transport.
– Plan Accordingly: Allow extra time to reach the airport. Traffic may be impacted by weather and the volume of travelers during peak times.
# Future Weather Predictions
The IMD has indicated that the fog season this year started unusually early, on November 13, with forecasts suggesting continued moderate to dense fog conditions into Thursday. This trend highlights the need for passengers to stay informed about weather developments that might affect their travel.
# Pros and Cons of Low Visibility Procedures
Pros:
– Allows for safe operation of flights even in challenging conditions.
– Reduces the likelihood of flight cancellations.
Cons:
– Increased potential for flight delays.
– May create a backlog of flights, impacting overall airport efficiency.
Conclusion
Travelers using Indira Gandhi International Airport must remain informed and ready for weather-related disruptions, particularly during the fog season. By knowing what to expect and taking appropriate precautions, passengers can navigate these challenges more effectively.
For further information on travel safety and updates, visit Airports Authority of India.
