As many as 68 flights were delayed at the Delhi Airport untill 11:49 AM, according to Flightradar24, a flight tracking portal. Among them, 15 flights arrival while 53 were departures. The flights operations were disrupted as dense fog condition grapples north India.
The airlines have issued advisories regarding flight operations for passengers. SpiceJet has intimated the passengers about potential delays as low visibility and bad weather could disrupt operations at the airport in Delhi.
The airline has cautioned that all departures and arrivals may be affected. In a post on X, airline asked passengers to check their flight status on the official website.
SpiceJet said, "Due to bad weather (dense fog) in Delhi (DEL), all departures, arrivals, and their consequential flights may be affected. Passengers are requested to check their flight status via https://spicejet.com/#status."
Air India has also issued a similar advisory for passengers. For the flight operations on Thursday, the airline issued an advisory on Wednesday night warning about potential delays over the next few days across northern India.
"Over the next few days, potential dense fog conditions resulting in poor visibility may impact flight operations at our primary hub in Delhi, and a few airports in northern and eastern India, with a cascading effect in some other cities across our network. To help plan your travel better, especially during the holiday season, may we request you to check your flight status at https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before heading to the airport," the airline added.
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The airline added that their FogCare initiative would alert the passengers for further options. "In addition, our ‘FogCare’ initiative allows passengers, booked on flights that are likely to be affected during the fog window, to receive advance alerts on their registered phone numbers, with the option to change their flights without any extra payment, or seek a full refund on the bookings without any penalty," it added.
AAI issued advisory
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has also advised the passengers to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport. AAI said, "Persistent fog is affecting several airports across Northern India, resulting in low visibility and possible flight delays. Passengers are advised to confirm their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport. Check the airport’s official website or social media handles for updates. Plan your journey in advance and allow additional travel time."
Delhi Airport under CAT III
In its latest advisory, the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said that flight operations are under CAT III conditions and may lead to delays and disruptions.
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The airport said, "Due to dense fog, flight operations are currently under CAT III conditions, which may lead to delays or disruptions."
Delhi Airport added, "We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimize inconvenience to passengers. For the latest flight status, please contact your respective airlines. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused."