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A thick blanket of fog disrupted flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Saturday, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. The dense fog led to reduced visibility, severely affecting both departures and arrivals. This disruption came a day after more than 400 flights were delayed on Friday due to similar weather conditions, according to airport officials.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which operates IGIA, issued a statement highlighting the impact of the weather on flight operations. In their advisory, DIAL urged passengers to stay updated by contacting their respective airlines. They apologized for the inconvenience, emphasizing that safety remained the priority under such challenging conditions.
Update issued at 00:05 hours.
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) January 3, 2025
Kind attention to all flyers!#Fog #FogAlert #DelhiAirport pic.twitter.com/fQZakeRWAV
Airlines Issue Alerts
Major airlines operating at the airport also issued warnings to their passengers about potential delays. IndiGo, one of the leading carriers, informed its passengers that both arrivals and departures at the airport were on hold due to reduced visibility. They also mentioned that even after operations resume, delays could persist because of airside congestion.
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, also shared a similar update, stating that poor visibility caused by the dense fog was hampering flight schedules not just in Delhi but also in other parts of northern India.
Weather Conditions and Forecast
The dense fog blanketing Delhi was accompanied by a dip in temperature. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city recorded a temperature of 10.2 degrees Celsius at 5:30 am on Saturday, slightly higher than the 9.6 degrees Celsius recorded at the same time the previous day.
Apart from the fog and cold, the air quality in the national capital remained a pressing concern. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 385 at 6 am on Saturday, placing it in the 'very poor' category. This was worse than the AQI of 348 noted the previous day.
The AQI scale classifies air quality into six categories:
- Good (0–50): Minimal impact
- Satisfactory (51–100): Minor discomfort
- Moderate (101–200): Breathing discomfort for sensitive groups
- Poor (201–300): Breathing discomfort for most people
- Very Poor (301–400): Respiratory impact on prolonged exposure
- Severe (401–500): Serious health risks
Impact on Passengers
The disruption caused by dense fog created significant challenges for passengers. Many were stranded at the airport, with some flights delayed for hours. Passengers expressed frustration at the lack of clarity and real-time updates. While airlines and airport authorities advised passengers to stay in touch for updates, the situation highlighted the importance of improving contingency planning during extreme weather conditions.
Key Steps for Travelers
To minimize inconvenience during such disruptions, passengers are advised to:
- Check real-time flight updates through airline websites or mobile apps.
- Arrive at the airport early to account for potential delays.
- Stay prepared for extended waiting periods by carrying essentials like snacks, water, and entertainment options.
Conclusion
The dense fog over Delhi disrupted life for travelers and highlighted the city's vulnerability to winter weather. As authorities and airlines navigate these challenges, passengers are reminded to remain vigilant and prepared for sudden changes in flight schedules.
