Chaos in Delhi amid Fog cover: Flights delayed and cancelled!

Delhi, India's bustling capital, has been shrouded in a thick blanket of fog for days, causing widespread travel disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). Passengers are facing a barrage of delays, cancellations, and frustration, with at least 20 flights grounded and over 100 pushed back as of Tuesday afternoon according to Times Of India.

We understand your pain – being stranded in limbo is no one's idea of a vacation. But before we succumb to travel blues, let's take a deep breath and navigate this together. Here's the lowdown on the current situation:

The Why Behind the Delays:

^{Img: Economic Times}

The dense fog, reducing visibility to near zero at times, has crippled aircraft operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns the situation could persist for the next 4-5 days, further testing the patience of travelers.

Adding fuel to the fire is the limited capacity of IGI Airport to handle low-visibility landings. While equipped with two CAT III runways designed for foggy conditions, one is undergoing maintenance, and the other was temporarily downgraded due to construction work nearby. This leaves only one fully functional CAT III runway, significantly straining operational efficiency.

The situation has understandably sparked anger among passengers, with some lashing out at airlines for perceived poor communication and lack of compensation. Frustration boiled over on Monday when an Indigo passenger, delayed for 13 hours, allegedly assaulted the pilot.

Read more: North India Shivers Under New Year Fog Blanket: Trains Delayed, Air Quality Plummets

Aviation minister steps in!

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has acknowledged the chaos and urged passengers to bear with the aviation authorities during these trying times.

To ease the pain of future fog-bound disruptions, the Minister has put some key plans in place:

• Fast-tracking the 4th CAT III runway: This runway, with its upgraded visibility handling capabilities, will provide much-needed operational redundancy in foggy weather.

• Clearer communication from airlines: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for airlines, ensuring better communication and passenger assistance during flight delays and cancellations.

What You Can Do:

While we wait for the fog to lift and these plans to take effect, here are some tips for tackling Delhi's flight disruptions like a seasoned pro:

• Stay updated: Check flight status religiously! Airline apps and websites are your best friends. Consider signing up for SMS alerts too.

• Be prepared for delays: Pack some patience, a good book, and maybe a travel-sized board game. Trust us, it'll be a lifesaver if your flight gets pushed back.

• Communicate with your airline: Don't hesitate to reach out to the airline for updates and assistance. Remember, they're dealing with the same chaos as you.

• Explore Delhi: If your layover stretches into hours, consider venturing out of the airport and exploring the city. Delhi has plenty to offer, even in foggy weather!

Explore: A 3 Day Itinerary to Delhi for a Perfect Weekend Trip

Let's hope the fog soon clears, both in the sky and in the minds of travelers. Until then, happy (and hopefully, smooth) travels!