Along with Christmas and New Year comes the winter cold and fog that more often than not puts a stop to transportations. This month’s weather has delayed the travelers’ routine.
Over 90 flights were affected this morning as visibility dropped to 50 meters due to dense fog at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, the heaviest this year, leaving the passengers stranded.
While 54 domestic flights were delayed and 17 diverted to other airports, eleven international flights were delayed and 8 were diverted due to the dense fog, according to flight information available on the airport’s website.
So far there have been 4 cancellations, including three domestic and one international flight, according to the information.
RK Jenamani, Director, IMD, Delhi area and IGI airport said, “Runway visibility since 5.30 am has been between 50-75 meters. This is so far the worst fog we have experienced this year.”
Delhi airport has advanced technology for low-visibility landings, called CAT IIIB. As a result, landings can take place with a visibility of 50 meters. However, for take-offs, a minimum visibility of 125 meters is required.
Airport sources said that the airport had to be shut for over two hours starting 7:30 leading to about 12 diversions and delays.
Normal flight operations have resumed at the airport now, however, passengers traveling throughout the day will face delays.
Another airport source said that these delays with morning flights impact the operation for a full day and the airline may have to cancel flights during the day to bring sanity in their operations.
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