As Delhi grapples with extreme cold and dense fog, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) witnessed disruptions in flight operations on Sunday. The severe weather conditions led to the diversion of 10 flights, including two international ones, to Jaipur, while nearly 100 flights were delayed, and some were canceled.
The challenging weather conditions resulted in almost zero visibility at the airport between 4 am and 10 am. During this period, only 15 arrivals took place, whereas under normal weather circumstances, the airport handles around 60 departures and arrivals per hour.
The bone-chilling temperatures and persistent dense fog prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an alert, forecasting the continuation of dense fog in isolated pockets of northwest India for the next three to four days. The IMD highlighted that the current season’s dense fog is the longest duration experienced so far.
IndiGo Airlines, one of the major carriers in India, acknowledged the impact of low visibility and dense fog on its flight operations. The airline released an official statement stating that their operations were significantly impacted on January 14, 2024, leading to delays and cancellations. IndiGo expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and emphasized that their staff kept travelers informed about delays and cancellations, making every effort to facilitate the passengers.
Passengers reported experiencing prolonged waiting times on aircraft before deboarding. Some flights were canceled, leading to chaos at the airport. A passenger shared on social media that her IndiGo Airlines flight to Dublin, scheduled for 6 am, was eventually canceled, and passengers were made to board and sit inside the aircraft for over five hours.
The situation at the airport prompted frustration among passengers, with reports of chaotic scenes, long waiting times, and challenges in managing the crowd. Several users on social media platforms described the chaotic conditions at the airport, with passengers sloganeering and expressing annoyance at the disruptions.
One user shared visuals of the crowded Terminal 2 (T2) at Delhi airport, stating that it was packed beyond capacity. The aviation crisis caused by dense fog led to challenging conditions for passengers, with limited seating and overcrowded areas.
The disruption in flight operations and the challenges faced by passengers highlight the impact of adverse weather conditions, particularly dense fog, on aviation in the region. During the winter season, fog-related disruptions are not uncommon in northern parts of India, affecting travel plans and requiring passengers to adapt to changing schedules and conditions.
