New Delhi, Dec 19: Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi were severely affected on Friday as dense fog and low visibility linked to a cold wave disrupted air travel across the region. The airport authority, airlines including IndiGo, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued advisories urging passengers to stay updated on flight schedules and be prepared for delays or cancellations.
Major Flight Cancellations Reported
In all, 79 departures and 73 arrivals were cancelled today, including a small number of international flights, as visibility dropped drastically in the early morning hours. Authorities said operations were being conducted under CAT III low-visibility procedures — a system that allows aircraft to land and take off in poor conditions but often leads to slower operations and disruptions.
Delays and Advisory from Airlines
The dense fog is not just affecting departures and arrivals — more than 200 flights have seen delays, with average departure delays of around 49 minutes due to limited visibility and ground movement constraints.
IndiGo released a travel advisory, advising passengers in Delhi and surrounding regions like Amritsar, Jabalpur and Jalandhar to monitor their flight status closely. The airline emphasized that safety remains the top priority and that schedule adjustments may be needed as conditions evolve.
AAI and Airport Advisory
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) also issued guidance, recommending passengers check official airline channels for real-time flight information, allow extra time for airport processes, and remain in contact with their airlines for updates.
Impact of Fog and Smog
The surge in cancellations comes amid dense fog stretching across northern India, including the National Capital Region, which has also contributed to poor air quality. These conditions are typical of the winter season, often leading to widespread disruption of flights and ground transport alike.
Passengers are urged to confirm their flight status before travelling to the airport and to expect possible further delays throughout the day.