Season’s worst fog at IGI, over 200 flights hit

New Delhi: Dense fog affected flight operations at the India Gandhi International Airport (IGI) on Sunday as the schedule of more than 200 flights was affected, which inconvenienced  many passengers as waiting time increased up to six hours.

Several flights were delayed, diverted or cancelled as the season’s “worst” fog reduced visibility to 50 metres at the IGI airport early New Year’s eve.

More than 150 flights were delayed, nearly 50 diverted and an estimated 20 flights were cancelled. No flights could take off from Delhi’s IGI for nearly four hours between 7.30 am and 11.05 am, according to an airport official.

A successful take off requires a minimum visibility range of 125 metres. Also the airport has advanced technology for low-visibility landings — CAT IIIB system —  under which an aircraft can land in visibility of 25 to 50 metres. There were, however, nearly 50 diversions to nearby airports as many pilots deployed by the airlines were not acquainted with CAT IIIB technology, a source said.

“Runway visibility since 5.30 am was between 50 to 75 metres. This is so far the worst fog we have experienced this year,” R.K. Jenamani, director, Indian Meteorological Department Delhi area and the IGI.  said.

Visibility improved to 2,000 metres later in the day and operations were restored to normal.

Many took to Twitter to share pictures of the overcrowded domestic terminal where passengers could be seen sitting on floors and staircases.