Headline: Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport faced major operational challenges as dense fog and extremely low visibility conditions affected large parts of Northern India. Flight movements were carried out under CAT III conditions, leading to delays, cancellations, and extended waiting times for passengers. Airport authorities and airlines issued multiple advisories to keep travelers informed and to minimize inconvenience during this period of severe winter weather.

Fog Conditions and Impact on Visibility
Dense fog blanketed Delhi and surrounding regions, sharply reducing visibility on airport runways. In some areas, visibility levels dropped to nearly 100 meters, making standard landing procedures unsafe. These weather conditions not only impacted air travel but also disrupted road and rail traffic across the region. Winter fog is a recurring challenge in North India, and such conditions often result in slower aircraft movement, delayed departures, and temporary suspension of certain flight operations.

Airport Authority Measures and Passenger Support
Airport authorities confirmed that flight operations were continuing under advanced low-visibility procedures to ensure safety. Special passenger facilitation measures were activated at affected airports, with additional ground staff deployed to assist travelers. Passengers were advised to stay connected with their respective airlines through official channels and to allow extra time for check-in and security procedures. Authorities emphasized that passenger safety remained the top priority despite the operational strain caused by adverse weather.

Customer Support Numbers Released for Travelers
To help passengers manage disruptions, airline customer care numbers were shared so travelers could directly check flight status, rebooking options, and refunds. Major domestic carriers including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Alliance Air provided dedicated helplines. These support channels were intended to reduce confusion at airports and provide real-time assistance to affected passengers.

Delhi Airport Advisory and Ground Operations
The Delhi airport management reassured travelers that ground teams were actively assisting passengers across terminals. Due to CAT III operations, some flights experienced unavoidable delays or cancellations. Airport officials expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and urged passengers to rely on airline updates rather than airport arrival boards alone. The advisory highlighted that operations would normalize once visibility conditions improved.

Airline-Specific Advisories and Network Delays
Several airlines issued their own advisories highlighting the extent of the disruption across their networks. IndiGo reported that cities such as Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Pantnagar were heavily affected by dense fog, while Ranchi, Patna, Hindon, Jammu, and Varanasi experienced slower aircraft movements. The airline stated that on-ground teams were prioritizing safety and compliance with visibility requirements and that operations would stabilize as weather conditions improved.

SpiceJet also warned passengers about poor visibility affecting multiple airports, including Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Darbhanga, Patna, and Bagdogra. The airline advised travelers to frequently check their flight status through official communication channels, as knock-on effects could impact connecting flights as well.

Understanding CAT III Operations
CAT III refers to a highly advanced landing system used at major airports to allow aircraft to land in extremely low visibility conditions caused by fog, heavy rain, or snow. These operations rely on sophisticated Instrument Landing Systems and Approach Lighting Systems that guide aircraft safely to the runway. CAT III procedures require specially trained pilots and aircraft equipped with certified systems. Runway Visual Range during such operations can be as low as 50 to 200 meters, making them essential during severe winter fog in North India.

Conclusion
The dense fog episode once again highlighted the vulnerability of air travel to extreme winter weather in the region. While CAT III systems help maintain operations during low visibility, delays and cancellations remain difficult to avoid. Passengers traveling during winter months are advised to monitor flight updates closely, plan flexible schedules, and remain patient during weather-related disruptions. Authorities and airlines continue to coordinate efforts to ensure safety and provide support until conditions return to normal.