For the third consecutive day, dense fog at the Delhi airport has severely impacted flight operations, resulting in the diversion of nearly 60 flights and significant delays. Between December 25, 0000 hours, and December 28, 0600 hours, a total of 58 flights, predominantly operated by domestic carriers, were diverted due to adverse weather conditions.
Airport sources attribute the diversions to the lack of training among pilots to operate flights in low visibility conditions. IndiGo, with 13 diverted flights, and Air India and SpiceJet, each with 10 diversions, were among the most affected. Vistara, Akasa Air, and Alliance Air also reported diversions, with 5, 3, and 2 flights, respectively. Alternate airports such as Jaipur, Lucknow, and Indore received the diverted flights.
Delhi airport issued a fog alert on December 28 via social media, stating that while landings and takeoffs were ongoing, flights not compliant with CAT III standards might be affected. CAT III refers to flight operations in low visibility conditions. The airport, handling over 1,300 daily flights, urged passengers to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight information. Similar alerts had been issued on December 26.
The national capital has experienced persistent dense fog, particularly during the early morning hours, contributing to ongoing disruptions at the country’s largest airport.