India’s winter travel season has been hit by widespread disruption as IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, cancelled multiple flights across key airports including Chandigarh, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and several other major hubs. Dense fog and severely reduced visibility have created challenging operating conditions, prompting the airline to prioritize passenger safety while warning travelers to prepare for ongoing delays and further cancellations.
The weather-related disruptions intensified in mid-December, a period that traditionally sees heavy passenger traffic due to year-end holidays. Northern and eastern parts of India have been particularly affected, with fog becoming a recurring operational challenge during early morning and late-night hours. Aviation authorities and airlines alike are closely monitoring conditions as winter weather patterns continue to impact air travel nationwide.
Fog Causes Significant Operational Challenges
Low visibility caused by dense fog has severely limited aircraft movement, particularly at airports that rely on visual landing systems or experience heavy congestion during peak hours. Chandigarh has emerged as one of the most affected airports, with foggy conditions disrupting both arrivals and departures. Similar challenges have been reported at Delhi, Kolkata, Amritsar, Jaipur, Pune, and other cities connected to northern and central India.
IndiGo issued advisories warning passengers that weather conditions were affecting schedules and that safety considerations were guiding all operational decisions. Reduced runway visibility, slower air traffic flow, and congestion at fog-affected airports have collectively contributed to cascading delays across the airline’s network.
Scale of Cancellations Continues to Grow
Over several consecutive days, IndiGo has been forced to cancel a large number of flights. The airline reported more than 170 cancellations on one day, followed by dozens more over the next two days as fog conditions failed to improve. Routes connecting major metros such as Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Jaipur were among those impacted, causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers.
Despite the cancellations, IndiGo continues to operate a large daily schedule, managing thousands of flights across domestic and international routes. However, winter fog has made it increasingly difficult to maintain punctuality, especially during early morning operations when visibility is at its lowest.
Passenger Advisory and Support Measures
IndiGo has urged passengers to regularly check flight status updates through official channels before heading to the airport. Travelers are also being advised to allow extra travel time, as fog has slowed road traffic around airports, adding to overall journey delays.
To reduce inconvenience, the airline has introduced flexible options for affected passengers, including rescheduling flights or claiming refunds for cancellations. Customer service teams have been deployed to assist travelers at airports and through digital platforms, particularly as holiday travel demand remains high.
The airline has acknowledged the frustration caused by the disruptions but reiterated that safety remains the top priority. IndiGo emphasized that operations will gradually stabilize once visibility improves and weather conditions become more favorable.
Winter Fog: A Recurring Aviation Challenge
Fog is a persistent issue for Indian aviation during the winter months, especially from December through January. Airports in northern India are particularly vulnerable due to temperature inversions and calm wind conditions that trap moisture near the ground. Even airports equipped with advanced landing systems face delays when fog density exceeds safe operational limits.
Airlines typically adjust schedules during this season, but prolonged fog episodes can still overwhelm contingency plans. The current wave of disruptions highlights the ongoing need for infrastructure upgrades, improved air traffic coordination, and passenger awareness during winter travel.
Impact on Holiday Travel Plans
The timing of the fog-related disruptions has added pressure on both travelers and airlines, as the Christmas and New Year period is one of the busiest travel seasons in India. Many passengers are traveling for holidays, family visits, or year-end events, making cancellations particularly disruptive.
Travel experts recommend that passengers flying during winter months remain flexible with their plans, consider alternative travel times, and stay informed about weather conditions at departure and arrival airports. Choosing mid-day flights, when visibility tends to improve, may help reduce the risk of delays.
Looking Ahead: More Disruptions Possible
Weather forecasts suggest that fog conditions may persist across parts of northern and central India, raising the likelihood of continued disruptions in the coming days. IndiGo and other airlines are expected to maintain cautious operations, adjusting schedules as needed to ensure safe takeoffs and landings.
Passengers are encouraged to monitor updates closely, keep essential travel documents accessible, and plan for potential overnight delays if flights are postponed or cancelled. Travel insurance and flexible bookings are also proving valuable during this period of uncertainty.
Conclusion
IndiGo’s widespread flight cancellations underscore the significant impact of winter fog on India’s aviation network. As dense fog continues to affect visibility at major airports, passengers should expect delays, remain vigilant about flight updates, and allow extra time for travel.
While the disruptions are challenging, airlines and airport authorities remain focused on safety and operational recovery. With careful planning and timely information, travelers can better navigate India’s winter travel season despite the weather-related hurdles.
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