Dense fog enveloped Bhubaneswar on Sunday, severely disrupting air travel and forcing the cancellation of six flights at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA). The heavy fog led to zero visibility conditions, affecting both arrivals and departures.
Details of the Cancelled Services
The list of cancelled flights included key routes connecting the Odisha capital with the national capital. Two Delhi-Bhubaneswar flights, operated by IndiGo and Air India respectively, were grounded. Furthermore, three services on the return leg from Bhubaneswar to Delhi were also called off. The disruption also impacted regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme, with the intra-state flight connecting Bhubaneswar to Utkela being cancelled.
Airport authorities highlighted that flight cancellations due to foggy conditions in December this year are occurring more frequently compared to previous years. Historically, such disruptions were mostly reported in January.
Safety First Amid Challenging Conditions
BPIA Director Prasanna Pradhan emphasized that passenger safety remains the paramount concern for airlines. He explained that even mild fog can create significant visibility issues at smaller airports like Utkela. "This winter, especially in December, we are seeing more flights getting cancelled and delayed. Passenger safety is the first priority of any airline," Pradhan stated. He added that on-ground operations at BPIA continued smoothly despite the aerial disruptions.
An airport official detailed the visibility challenges, noting, "Visibility improved around 9 am at IGI Airport, Delhi, while in Bhubaneswar it was at 8 am. Early morning flights from the city can’t take off because there’s a lack of a clear view and landing is even far more difficult with just 100-150 metres of visibility."
A Hub for Diversions and Recurring Challenges
The Bhubaneswar airport has also served as a crucial diversion point for flights bound for neighboring airports during inclement weather, including heavy rain, strong winds, and fog. This incident is part of a pattern of fog-related troubles at BPIA. The problem is not new; last January, poor visibility from dense fog forced two Bhubaneswar-bound flights to divert mid-air, just minutes before their scheduled landing.
The recent cancellations also follow a series of disruptions on IndiGo's Delhi-Bhubaneswar route linked to roster changes, compounding travel woes for passengers. The combination of operational adjustments and persistent adverse weather has made this a particularly difficult season for air travelers on these routes.
