Visibility woes struck Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Wednesday morning as dense fog enveloped the region, reducing visibility to a mere 100 meters for hours. This unfortunate situation led to significant disruptions, with over 300 flights experiencing delays, as reported by FlightRadar24.
The fog descended upon IGI Airport around 5:30 AM and lingered until 8:30 AM, prompting airport officials to communicate the situation promptly. While visibility improved to 300 meters by 9:30 AM, the earlier reduction caused a ripple effect; no flights were diverted or cancelled, but there were word of substantial delays.
In an official statement, the airport reiterated that despite ongoing flights, those not equipped with CAT III capability might face complications. This advisory aimed to assist passengers, recommending they check with airlines for real-time updates on their travel plans, as officials expressed regret for any associated inconveniences.
As predicted by the India Meteorological Department, moderate to dense fog conditions are expected to persist into Thursday. FlightRadar24 indicated an average delay of 18 minutes, with some delays attributed to weather issues at departure points.
To address low visibility, IGI Airport employs Low Visibility Procedures (LVP), which activate based on the sighting range. Notably, pilots trained under CAT III can land even when visibility drops to an astonishing 50 meters, underscoring the airport’s robust safety protocols.
Dense Fog Disrupts Air Travel: A Comprehensive Overview of IGI Airport’s Challenges
Visibility Challenges at Indira Gandhi International Airport
Recent weather conditions laid a heavy fog blanket over Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), reducing visibility to just 100 meters and causing significant disruption to air travel. This event unfolded early Wednesday morning, starting around 5:30 AM and lasting until approximately 8:30 AM. With over 300 flights delayed, the airport faced considerable operational challenges, prompting passengers to seek clarity on their travel plans.
Impact on Flight Operations
The dense fog created a ripple effect across the airport’s operations. Although flights were not diverted or canceled, the reduction in visibility resulted in an average delay of 18 minutes per flight, as reported by FlightRadar24. The situation improved post-9:30 AM when visibility reached 300 meters; however, the prior difficulties had already placed strain on travelers and airline scheduling.
Airport’s Response and Recommendations
In response to the situation, IGI Airport officials emphasized the use of Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) designed to manage flight operations during adverse weather conditions. Passengers were advised to monitor their airline’s updates closely to receive real-time information about their flight status.
For pilots and airlines, the airport follows strict protocols. Notably, pilots trained under CAT III (Category III Instrument Landing Systems) are capable of performing landings with visibility dropping as low as 50 meters. This advanced technological capability showcases the airport’s commitment to safety, even under adverse weather conditions.
Extended Weather Forecasts
The weather forecast from the India Meteorological Department indicated that moderate to dense fog could persist into Thursday, raising further concerns about ongoing disruptions. The return of similar weather could mean that more delays and advisories are on the horizon for travelers and airlines using IGI Airport.
Pros and Cons of Low Visibility Operations
Pros:
– Enhanced safety measures through trained pilots and advanced technology.
– Capacity to handle challenging weather conditions without flight cancellations.
Cons:
– Increased delays, impacting passengers’ travel plans.
– Potential for confusion and misinformation regarding flight statuses.
Final Thoughts
Travelers at IGI Airport are encouraged to remain vigilant and check for updates regarding their flights, especially as the weather conditions continue to evolve. The airport’s use of Low Visibility Procedures plays a critical role in ensuring that operations can continue safely even when visibility is compromised.
For more information on real-time air traffic and weather updates, visit FlightRadar24 and stay informed about conditions that may affect your travel plans.
