Dense fog grounds Delhi airport: 228 flights canceled, 5 diverted
Dense fog grounds Delhi airport: 228 flights canceled, 5 diverted
Dense fog hits Delhi airport, canceling 228 flights and diverting five as visibility collapses; airlines warn of disruptions and urge travelers to check status.
Dense fog swept across Delhi's airspace on Monday, grinding operations at the city's main airport to a halt. Official figures show 228 flights were canceled and five were diverted to other airports as pilots struggled with near-zero visibility. Airlines reported widespread disruption across the day, with IndiGo alone cancelling 145 flights as the fog clung to the runways and terminal concourses.
Travelers faced long queues, last-minute rebookings, and missed connections as ground crews worked to reroute passengers and manage slot restrictions under instrument flight rules. Authorities stressed that safety remained the priority and that operations were proceeding under CAT III conditions, which allow landings in low-visibility environments but cannot guarantee a smooth flow of traffic when visibility worsens beyond the limits.
The disruptions come amid concerns about air quality and persistent smog over the region, compounding travel headaches for commuters and visitors alike. Airports and airlines issued advisories urging passengers to verify flight status before heading to the terminals, to pack patience, and to consider flexible travel plans in case additional adjustments are required.
As the fog begins to lift in parts of the city, authorities cautioned that some disruption could extend into the evening and possibly into the next day, depending on weather patterns. Passengers are advised to monitor official updates, keep their contact information with airlines current, and reach out for rebooking or refunds as needed. The situation highlights how weather can still dictate travel during peak fog season, even in a major hub like Delhi.
