National, 25th December: On December 25, 2023, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport faced significant challenges as dense fog blanketed the area, severely impacting flight operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported very dense fog early in the morning, leading to reduced visibility between 125 to 175 meters on all runways. This triggered the implementation of CAT IIIB operations for aircraft takeoffs and landings.
The adverse weather conditions resulted in delays and diversions for both domestic and international flights. Airlines, including SpiceJet, issued statements cautioning passengers about potential disruptions and advising them to stay updated on their flight status. The IMD had forecasted dense fog in the morning, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius, and a minimal chance of rainfall.
Despite the fog, Delhi Airport reassured passengers through a advisory that flight operations remained unaffected. The airport, handling an average of 1,400-1,500 flights daily with nearly 2 lakh passengers, experienced congestion exacerbated by the dense fog. Terminal 3 alone managed between 45,000 to 50,000 passengers. Delhi’s air quality, categorized as ‘very poor’ with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 395, further contributed to the challenging conditions.
While dense fog is a common occurrence in Delhi during winter, the airport demonstrated resilience in managing operations amid adverse weather. Passengers were encouraged to stay in touch with their airlines for real-time updates on flight delays and schedule changes. The visibility at the runway was reported to be 2.5 km with hazy weather, showcasing the airport’s preparedness in handling challenging weather conditions.
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