Over hundred flights have been delayed at Delhi airport.
New Delhi:
Delhi and its neighboring areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to dense fog this morning, severely affecting visibility in several areas. The foggy conditions have caused disruptions in both air and rail travel, inconveniencing passengers.
Delhi Airport, one of the busiest aviation hubs in the country, has been directly impacted by the foggy weather. According to flight tracker website flightradar24, more than 100 flights have been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. In response, authorities have implemented Low Visibility Procedures at Delhi Airport.
“Low Visibility Procedures are currently in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are currently normal. Passengers are urged to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information,” stated the Delhi airport at 6:50 am.
Due to the prevailing conditions, the Delhi airport has advised passengers that flights not equipped for low-visibility landings (Category III compliant) may experience delays or diversions.
“While landing and takeoffs are continuing at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may face disruptions. Passengers are requested to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information. We deeply regret any inconvenience caused,” the airport added.
The minimum temperature in the national capital was recorded at 4.8 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The impact of the fog extends beyond air travel alone. Passengers at New Delhi Railway Station also faced difficulties as at least 30 trains were delayed due to the cold wave and fog.
Over the past two days, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport has witnessed chaotic scenes with stranded passengers experiencing prolonged delays. Frustrated travelers expressed their discontent through shouts and slogans. Airport personnel and ground staff have been working tirelessly to manage the situation and assist affected passengers.
Addressing the issue, Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia outlined the steps taken to prevent similar circumstances in the future:
1. Operationalisation of CAT III-Enabled 4th Runway: Delhi Airport has been directed to expedite the operationalization of the CAT III-enabled 4th runway, supplementing the existing CAT III runway, in order to meet the approval standards set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
2. Issuance of SOP for Airlines: The DGCA will soon release a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at enhancing communication and passenger facilitation for airlines. This measure aims to minimize passenger discomfort caused by flight cancellations and delays resulting from adverse weather conditions.
In response to the disruptions caused by dense fog, the regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued comprehensive guidelines to manage chaotic situations and ensure better passenger experiences during adverse weather conditions.
The DGCA’s standard operating procedure (SOP) addresses the challenges posed by fog-related delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. One key directive in the SOP highlights that airlines have the authority to cancel flights that are anticipated to be delayed or “consequentially delayed” beyond three hours. This strategic measure aims to minimize inconveniences for passengers and streamline the operational response to fog-induced disruptions.
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Delhi, the capital city of India, experienced another day of thick fog, causing significant disruptions in air travel. Over 100 flights were delayed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport due to poor visibility caused by the dense fog. This has led to inconvenience for passengers, as many had to wait for hours for their flights to take off. The foggy weather conditions have become a recurring issue during the winter months in Delhi, affecting the city’s transportation system and causing delays and cancellations. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules to avoid any inconvenience.
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