The Ministry of Civil Aviation has cautioned passengers that airport operations nationwide may be affected due to dense fog, urging travellers to stay in close contact with airlines, monitor official updates, and allow extra time for travel. Passenger facilitation teams, the ministry said, have been deployed across airports to assist stranded and delayed travellers.
AAI Warns of Persistent Fog, Low Visibility
A day earlier, the Airports Authority of India issued a weather advisory highlighting persistent dense fog across several airports in Northern India. The authority warned of low visibility conditions that could lead to flight delays and disruptions.
Passengers were advised to confirm their flight status with airlines before leaving for the airport, follow official airport communication channels, and plan journeys with additional buffer time as fog continued to impair early-morning operations.
IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, also released a travel advisory, stating that early-morning fog in Delhi and other parts of northern India was disrupting flight schedules. The airline described the phenomenon as a seasonal occurrence and assured passengers that operations were being managed carefully to ensure safety.
Travellers flying in the early hours were warned of possible delays or revised timings and encouraged to check real-time flight status before departing for the airport.
Delhi Airport Operates Under CAT III Conditions
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport confirmed that flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III Instrument Landing System (ILS) conditions due to severely reduced visibility. CAT III allows aircraft to land in extremely low-visibility scenarios but requires advanced onboard systems and specially trained pilots.
Airport authorities said on-ground teams are coordinating closely with all stakeholders to support passengers across terminals and minimize inconvenience, while urging flyers to rely on airline updates for the latest information.
Poor Air Quality Adds to Winter Woes
Adding to the capital’s challenges, Delhi recorded a “very poor” Air Quality Index (AQI) of 387 at around 8 am on Friday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The combination of dense fog and severe pollution continues to hamper visibility, compounding disruptions to air travel during peak winter mornings.
As northern India remains shrouded in fog, authorities and airlines have reiterated appeals for patience, preparedness, and frequent status checks, with safety remaining the top priority amid challenging weather conditions.
