Dense fog has disrupted flights across North India, with IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India issuing advisories about cancellations and delays. Delhi Airport alone saw over 270 delays and multiple cancellations. Airlines urged passengers to check updates regularly, as safety concerns and poor visibility continue to impact travel schedules.
Air travel across North India faced significant disruption this weekend as dense fog blanketed Delhi, Chandigarh, Patna, and several other airports, reducing visibility and forcing airlines to cancel or delay multiple flights. Leading carriers IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India issued travel advisories urging passengers to check flight status before heading to airports.
Key Highlights
IndiGo Impact: IndiGo confirmed the cancellation of 13 flights on December 28, citing adverse weather conditions. The cancellations affected routes connecting major cities including Chandigarh, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Delhi, Gaya, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, and Pune.
SpiceJet Advisory: SpiceJet warned of possible delays and cancellations, particularly at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where visibility dropped sharply during early morning hours.
Air India Update: Air India also alerted passengers about schedule disruptions, advising travelers to monitor updates and allow extra time for airport formalities.
Wider Disruption: According to airport officials, over 270 flights were delayed and at least 10 cancelled at Delhi Airport on December 23, highlighting the scale of fog-related challenges.
Passenger Advisory: Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) stated that visibility conditions were gradually improving but warned that departures on select routes could still face delays.
Context and Impact
Fog-related disruptions are a recurring challenge during North India’s winter months. The low visibility not only affects flight schedules but also strains airport operations, leading to cascading delays across domestic and international routes. Airlines have emphasized that safety remains the top priority, even as they work to minimize inconvenience for passengers.
Travel experts suggest that passengers should stay updated via airline apps, official websites, and airport announcements. Flexible travel planning, including buffer time for connections, is recommended during this period.
This latest disruption underscores the need for advanced navigation and landing systems at Indian airports to mitigate the impact of seasonal fog, a challenge that continues to affect both airlines and passengers annually.
Sources: Livemint, Indian Express, News18