Dense winter fog continues to wreak havoc on air travel across India, with major disruptions reported from the national capital and several other regions. Leading carrier IndiGo was forced to cancel a significant number of flights on Wednesday, following a travel advisory it issued the previous night warning passengers of anticipated delays and cancellations.
IndiGo's Fog Advisory and Nationwide Impact
Anticipating severe weather conditions, IndiGo took to social media platform X on Tuesday night to alert passengers. The airline stated that "fog is predicted across parts of North and East India" on Wednesday morning, which would likely result in reduced visibility and slower flight movements. Emphasizing passenger safety as the top priority, the advisory clearly indicated that numerous flights could face delays or schedule adjustments.
The forecast proved accurate, as Wednesday morning saw thick fog blanket Delhi and other parts of northern and eastern India, severely hampering flight operations. The low visibility conditions made it unsafe for many aircraft to take off or land, leading to a cascading effect on schedules throughout the day.
List of Affected IndiGo Flights
As per the latest update on IndiGo's official website, the airline cancelled more than 50 flights. The cancellations affected a wide network of routes, connecting major metros with smaller cities. Key routes impacted include:
- Connections to and from Delhi: Flights like 6E 7324 (DEL-PGH), 6E 2229 (DEL-MAA), 6E 2253 (DEL-HYD), and 6E 2295 (DEL-GAU) were cancelled.
- East and North-East routes: Services such as 6E 2414 (DEL-GAY), 6E 5253 (CCU-GAY), and 6E 7561 (CCU-IXR) were called off.
- Cross-country routes: Cancellations included 6E 5362 (JAI-MAA), 6E 6802 (BLR-NAG), and 6E 6156 (HYD-BLR).
The extensive list underscores the widespread nature of the disruption, affecting travel plans for thousands of passengers across the country.
Travel Chaos and Passenger Advisory
The recurring fog-related disruptions highlight a persistent challenge for Indian aviation during the winter months. Passengers booked on early morning or late-night flights are often the most affected. Airlines, including IndiGo, have advised travelers to keep a close watch on their flight status via official websites or apps before heading to the airport.
While IndiGo has been the most impacted in this recent wave, other airlines are also likely experiencing similar delays and cancellations due to the prevailing weather conditions. Authorities at affected airports, especially the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, are working to manage the situation, but operations are largely at the mercy of the weather.
Travelers are urged to factor in potential delays, stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates, and allow extra time for their journeys to the airport. The situation is expected to improve as the day progresses and visibility increases.
