Dense Fog Blankets Delhi-NCR: 7 Big Flight Delay Alerts as IGI Airport Activates CAT III

Dense fog engulfs Delhi-NCR as IGI Airport activates CAT III procedures. Airlines warn passengers of flight delays and disruptions

A thick blanket of dense fog engulfed Delhi-NCR, severely reducing visibility and disrupting air travel across the region. As weather conditions worsened, airlines issued advisories warning passengers of potential flight delays and cancellations, while Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport activated CAT III low-visibility landing procedures to maintain safe aircraft operations.

The fog, which intensified during the early morning hours, impacted hundreds of flights, causing delays in departures and arrivals and creating travel challenges for passengers during peak winter conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility levels dropped to dangerously low ranges, with some areas recording near-zero visibility. The sudden drop in visibility was attributed to a combination of cold weather, high moisture levels, and stagnant wind patterns, all common during the winter season in northern India.

Commuters across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad experienced difficult travel conditions, with fog affecting:

Road traffic
Rail operations
Flight schedules

However, aviation operations were among the most impacted, as landing and takeoff require precise visibility and advanced navigation systems.

To ensure continued flight operations despite dense fog, IGI Airport switched to CAT III Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedures. CAT III is an advanced navigation technology that allows aircraft to land safely even in extremely low-visibility conditions, sometimes as low as 50 meters.

What CAT III Means for Flight Operations

Enables aircraft to land in thick fog
Requires specially trained pilots
Requires aircraft equipped with CAT III-certified systems
Improves safety but can slow down airport operations

While CAT III allows flights to continue, it often results in slower landing intervals, contributing to congestion and delays.

Several airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Akasa Air, issued advisories urging passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.

Airline Warnings Included

Expect delays in departures and arrivals
Monitor airline apps and websites for real-time updates
Arrive early at the airport to avoid last-minute disruptions
Prepare for possible rescheduling or cancellations

Passengers were advised to stay informed as airlines continued to manage schedules amid unpredictable weather conditions.

Due to reduced runway capacity under CAT III procedures, dozens of flights were delayed, and some were diverted to nearby airports, including:

Jaipur
Lucknow
Chandigarh
Amritsar

Impact on Air Travel

Domestic and international flights faced delays ranging from 30 minutes to several hours
Some morning departures were postponed
Arrival congestion led to temporary holding patterns in airspace

Airport authorities stated that ground teams and air traffic controllers were working continuously to ensure safe and efficient operations.

At IGI Airport terminals, many passengers reported:

Long waiting times
Uncertain boarding schedules
Rescheduled connections
Crowded lounges and waiting areas

Some travelers shared their frustration on social media, posting about missed connections, extended layovers, and the challenge of navigating last-minute travel changes.

However, aviation experts emphasized that safety remains the top priority, and delays during fog conditions are unavoidable.

According to the IMD, dense fog is expected to persist over Delhi-NCR for several days, particularly during early mornings and late nights.

Contributing Weather Factors

Cold air trapped near the ground
Low wind speed
High humidity
Seasonal winter climate patterns

The IMD has also warned of continued cold wave conditions, urging residents to take precautions against cold exposure and reduced visibility.

The dense fog has not only impacted flights but also train and road travel across the capital region.

Railway Impact

Several long-distance trains running late
Delays reported on routes connecting Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan

Road Travel Challenges

Slower traffic movement on highways
Increased risk of accidents
Authorities advising drivers to use fog lights and maintain safe distances

Traffic police across Delhi-NCR issued safety advisories to minimize road accidents.

Fog formation in Delhi-NCR during winter is a recurring phenomenon caused by:

Cold temperatures
Air pollution particles
Moisture in the air
Low wind circulation

Pollution particles act as condensation nuclei, making fog denser and more persistent. Experts have pointed out that poor air quality exacerbates fog intensity, further reducing visibility.

To manage flight operations safely, aviation authorities enforce strict protocols during low-visibility conditions:

Key Safety Measures

Only CAT III-certified aircraft and trained pilots allowed to land
Increased spacing between aircraft landings
Enhanced runway lighting systems
Constant coordination between Air Traffic Control (ATC) and pilots
Continuous weather monitoring

These steps help reduce risk but also contribute to slower airport operations and inevitable delays.

Travel experts recommend the following tips for passengers flying during fog conditions:

✅ Check Flight Status Frequently

Use airline websites or mobile apps for real-time updates.

✅ Arrive Early at the Airport

Allow extra time to handle unexpected schedule changes.

✅ Stay in Contact with Airlines

Look for rebooking options if delays extend.

✅ Keep Essentials Handy

Carry food, water, chargers, and travel documents.

✅ Be Patient and Prepared

Fog delays are weather-related and beyond airline control.

Airlines have requested passengers to remain patient and cooperative as ground crews and flight teams work to manage schedules safely.

In official statements, airline representatives said they are:

Adjusting flight rotations
Adding buffer times between departures
Coordinating with ATC to minimize disruption

Despite these efforts, weather-related delays remain unavoidable.

The dense fog and flight disruptions have sparked widespread discussion online. Many travelers shared images of fog-covered runways, hazy skies, and delayed flight boards.

Dense Fog Blankets Delhi-NCR: 7 Big Flight Delay Alerts as IGI Airport Activates CAT III

Dense Fog Blankets Delhi-NCR: 7 Big Flight Delay Alerts as IGI Airport Activates CAT III