Heavy fog has severely impacted air travel in the national capital, leading to significant disruptions at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The Delhi Airport Authority issued a formal warning to passengers on Wednesday about probable flight delays and cancellations due to the persistent dense fog enveloping the region.
Airport Issues Official Advisory on Flight Disruptions
In a public notice shared on the social media platform X, the airport authority urgently advised all travelers to maintain close contact with their airlines to receive the most current information about their flights. The advisory explicitly stated that all airport operations are currently being conducted under CAT III protocols. This advanced system permits aircraft to land and take off during conditions of very low visibility, but it often leads to a reduced flow of traffic, inevitably causing backups and holdups.
The airport's statement read, "Due to prevailing dense fog conditions, flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III protocols, which may result in delays or cancellations. Our ground teams are on-site and actively assisting passengers to ensure a smooth travel experience." The message concluded with an apology for the inconvenience and a repeated instruction for passengers to check directly with their airlines for updates.
Airlines Respond with Proactive Measures and Passenger Guidance
Major airlines have also stepped up their communication in response to the challenging weather. Budget carrier IndiGo released a detailed travel advisory, confirming it is closely watching the developing situation. The airline acknowledged that foggy conditions are present across Delhi and several airports in northern India, warning that continued poor visibility could affect both departures and arrivals throughout the day.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and are making operational adjustments wherever required to keep journeys moving as smoothly as possible," an IndiGo spokesperson said. The airline offered practical advice to affected passengers, strongly recommending they verify their flight status online before leaving home for the airport. They also suggested factoring in extra travel time for the journey to the airport, as road traffic is similarly hampered by the thick fog.
Passengers Urged to Stay Informed and Plan Ahead
The collective guidance from both the airport and airlines underscores a critical message for travelers: proactive verification is key. Passengers have been assured that any changes to flight schedules will be communicated through registered contact details and official digital channels. While ground staff are deployed to assist, the unpredictable nature of the weather means schedules remain fluid.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the annual winter challenges faced by aviation in North India. For now, passengers are left hoping for clearer skies while relying on official updates to navigate the travel uncertainty caused by the dense fog at Delhi's primary airport.
