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Severe Fog Disrupts Flight Operations at Delhi Airport

Severe fog has led to significant disruptions at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, with 148 flights cancelled and over 150 delayed. The visibility issues have raised concerns about air quality, with many monitoring stations reporting severe AQI levels. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has urged airlines to follow passenger service norms during this challenging weather. Stay informed about the latest updates on flight operations and air quality in the capital.
 

Flight Cancellations and Delays Due to Fog

On Wednesday, dense fog and low visibility led to the cancellation of at least 148 flights and caused delays for over 150 others at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. According to reports, the airport saw 78 incoming flights and 70 outgoing flights cancelled, with two additional flights being diverted. The fog significantly impacted visibility on the runway, which typically accommodates around 1,300 flights each day.

By 11 am, the Delhi International Airport Limited, which manages the facility, indicated that visibility was slowly improving but cautioned that some flight disruptions might persist. Updates provided at noon and 1 pm confirmed that flight operations were returning to normal.


The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was reported at 372, which falls under the 'very poor' category, as per data from the Sameer application at 2:05 pm. Notably, 13 out of 38 active monitoring stations in the city recorded 'severe' AQI levels exceeding 400.

Earlier in the day, IndiGo Airlines mentioned that the impact of the fog was expected to last into the afternoon, but they were managing departures and arrivals to ensure safe and orderly operations.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a warning regarding the fog affecting operations at various airports in northern India. They emphasized that airlines must adhere to passenger service protocols, which include providing timely updates, assistance during delays, options for rebooking or refunds, and facilitating baggage handling.