Low Visibility Disrupts Flight Operations at Delhi Airport, Resulting in 131 Cancellations

Flight operations at Delhi airport faced significant disruption on Tuesday due to low visibility, resulting in the cancellation of 131 flights, according to an official from Delhi International Airport Ltd. The cancellations included 52 departures and 79 arrivals. Dense fog in northern India, particularly affecting Delhi, Air India's main hub, has the potential to impact flight schedules across the network.

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In response to the foggy conditions, aviation regulator DGCA has designated December 10 to February 10 as the official fog window for this winter. This period is expected to see frequent low visibility conditions that could disrupt air travel. As a result, airlines are required to prepare for such scenarios by ensuring their crews and aircraft are equipped for low-visibility operations.

Impact on Airlines and Flight Operations

IndiGo, facing similar challenges, cancelled 113 flights across its network on Tuesday due to adverse weather at Delhi airport. Additionally, the airline announced it would not operate 42 flights on Wednesday because of the ongoing bad weather. IndiGo stated on X that early mornings in northern India during winter often bring fog that can delay flight movements.

To manage these disruptions, IndiGo's teams are actively monitoring weather conditions and making necessary adjustments on the ground. The airline aims to minimise inconvenience and ensure passengers experience minimal waiting times by implementing thoughtful measures.

Fog Operations and Safety Measures

Under CAT-IIIb fog operations norms, airlines must deploy crews trained for low-visibility conditions and use aircraft compliant with these standards. Category-III is an advanced navigation system allowing aircraft to land in foggy conditions. Category-III-A enables landing with a runway visual range (RVR) of 200 meters, while Category-III-B allows landing with an RVR of under 50 metres.

The implementation of these systems is crucial for maintaining safety during foggy conditions. Airlines are required to ensure their operations adhere to these regulations to minimise disruptions and maintain passenger safety during the winter months.

The dense fog affecting northern India highlights the importance of preparedness in aviation operations. By adhering to regulatory guidelines and employing advanced navigation systems, airlines aim to mitigate the impact of adverse weather on flight schedules and ensure passenger safety.

With inputs from PTI