Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a critical passenger advisory on Friday morning after a thick blanket of dense fog descended upon the national capital, severely hampering flight operations. The sudden drop in visibility during the early hours forced authorities to implement special low-visibility landing protocols, warning travelers of extensive delays and potential disruptions.
Airport Issues Advisory Amid Severe Visibility Drop
The airport authorities officially alerted passengers about the challenging conditions caused by the intense haze. The advisory explicitly stated that dense fog had necessitated the initiation of CAT III operations at the airport, which would likely lead to flight delays and cancellations. In response to the situation, the airport management urged all passengers to directly contact their respective airlines for real-time updates on their flight schedules before heading to the terminals.
An initial advisory was released around 4:00 AM, confirming that flight operations were proceeding under CAT III conditions due to the persistent fog. The airport assured the public that its on-ground teams were actively coordinating with all relevant stakeholders to assist affected passengers and provide necessary support across all terminals. "We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding," the advisory added, acknowledging the frustration faced by travelers.
Understanding CAT III: The Tech Behind Low-Visibility Landings
So, what exactly are CAT III operations that were activated in Delhi? CAT III, or Category III, refers to an advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedure that allows aircraft to land safely even when visibility is extremely poor, often due to fog, smog, or heavy rain. This system is crucial for maintaining operations during the winter months in North India.
It is important to note that not all Indian airports are equipped to handle such conditions. Currently, only six airports in the country have runways certified for CAT III operations. These are:
- Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport)
- Lucknow
- Jaipur
- Amritsar
- Bengaluru
- Kolkata
Passenger Impact and the Way Forward
The immediate consequence of the fog and the subsequent CAT III procedures was a cascading effect on the flight schedule. Departures and arrivals were significantly impacted, leading to long waits and uncertainty for hundreds of passengers. The advisory's repeated emphasis on contacting airlines highlights the dynamic nature of such disruptions, where flight statuses can change rapidly based on weather windows.
While the airport's teams worked to mitigate the situation, the incident underscores the vulnerability of air travel to severe weather during winter. It also highlights the critical importance of the CAT III infrastructure at major hubs like Delhi, which, despite causing delays, enables a level of operation that would otherwise be completely halted. Passengers are advised to stay vigilant, monitor weather forecasts, and maintain direct communication with their airlines when traveling during the fog season.
