The onset of peak winter in North India has brought more than just a chill in the air; it has brought the dreaded "Great Delhi Fog." For air travelers, the situation at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has turned critical. According to recent flight data, India’s largest carrier, IndiGo, has cancelled over 110 flights to and from the national capital due to extremely low visibility.
If you have a flight scheduled in the coming days, here is a detailed breakdown of the situation, the airline advisories, and how you can navigate this travel chaos.
1. Why are so many flights being cancelled?
Delhi is currently experiencing "Dense to Very Dense" fog conditions. When visibility drops below a certain threshold (often near zero at the runways), even advanced CAT III-B Instrument Landing Systems cannot guarantee a safe take-off or landing for every aircraft.
IndiGo, which operates the largest share of flights at Delhi, has faced the brunt of these conditions. The cancellations are a ripple effect: when one flight is grounded due to fog, the aircraft cannot reach its next destination, leading to a chain reaction of cancellations across the domestic network.
2. The Airline Advisory What IndiGo and Others are Saying
Major airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India, have issued urgent travel advisories via their social media handles. The key takeaways from the IndiGo Advisory are:
Operational Disruptions: Anticipate delays and cancellations as weather conditions remain unpredictable.
Check Status Before Leaving: Passengers are strongly advised not to leave for the airport without confirming their flight status online.
Reach Early For flights that are still operating, allow extra time for the commute to the airport, as road traffic is also significantly slowed down by the fog.
3. How to Check Your Flight Status (The Right Way)
Don't rely on third-party apps alone; always go straight to the source:
Official Website Visit the IndiGo Flight Status page and enter your PNR or Flight Number.
WhatsApp AI: Most airlines now have WhatsApp bots that provide real-time updates.
Delhi Airport (DIAL) Twitter: Follow the official Delhi Airport X handle for live updates on runway visibility and general terminal congestion.
4. Your Rights: What if Your Flight is Cancelled?
According to DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) guidelines, if a flight is cancelled due to weather (an "extraordinary circumstance"):
Alternate Flight: The airline must offer you a seat on the next available flight at no extra cost.
Full Refund: If you choose not to take the alternate flight, you are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
No Compensation: Unlike cancellations due to technical faults, airlines are generally not required to pay additional financial compensation for weather-related delays, as these are beyond their control.
5. Pro-Tips for "Fog Season" Travelers
Opt for Afternoon Flights: Statistically, fog is densest between 2:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Choosing a flight between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM reduces the risk of cancellation.
Travel Light: With terminals being overcrowded, having only cabin baggage can save you from long queues at the check-in counters.
Stay Connected: Ensure your phone is fully charged and you have the airline’s app installed to receive instant push notifications.
6. Conclusion
The "Delhi Fog" is an annual challenge, but with over 110 flights cancelled in a single window, the current scale is significant. Safety is the ultimate priority for pilots and airlines. While the delays are frustrating, staying informed is your best tool to manage the stress.
Planning to travel? Bookmark the IndiGo Plan B page, which allows you to rebook or refund your cancelled flight easily without calling the customer care center.
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