Flight travel across India continues to face significant disruptions as dense fog impacts operations in several regions. Cancellations have extended into Monday, with further disruptions anticipated on Tuesday.
Flight Cancellations Mount
According to data from IndiGo, 59 flights scheduled for December 30 have been cancelled. Monday saw a total of 116 flights cancelled, with the majority attributed to adverse weather conditions. Five cancellations were due to operational reasons.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued an advisory warning passengers of potential delays due to fog conditions across Northern India. Travelers are advised to monitor official airline communications and allow extra time for airport procedures.
Airline Responses
Air India also released an advisory, acknowledging the forecast for continued dense fog in Delhi and surrounding areas. The airline anticipates impacts to flight schedules and potential cascading effects across its network. Air India stated it is closely monitoring the situation and has implemented its “FogCare initiate” to assist passengers facing disruptions.
Category-III systems are advanced instrument landing systems designed to facilitate aircraft operations in foggy conditions. Category-III-A allows landings with a runway visual range (RVR) of up to 200 metres, while Category-III-B permits landings with an RVR below 50 metres.
What Could Happen Next
If fog conditions persist, further flight cancellations and delays are likely. Airlines may proactively cancel flights to minimize disruption and manage passenger expectations. Passengers could experience extended travel times and potential difficulties reaching their destinations. It is possible that airports may experience congestion as airlines attempt to reschedule flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the flight disruptions?
The disruptions are primarily due to fog conditions across parts of Northern India, leading to reduced visibility and impacting flight operations.
How many flights have been cancelled?
116 flights were cancelled on Monday, with 59 flights scheduled for December 30 also cancelled as of this report.
What is “FogCare”?
“FogCare” is an initiative by Air India to help passengers in the event of unexpected delays, diversions or cancellations resulting from fog, providing assistance at key airport locations.
As travel plans are impacted by these conditions, how important is it to remain flexible and informed when navigating potential disruptions?
Related reading