Winter’s grip tightened over Uttar Pradesh as dense fog enveloped key cities, paralyzing flight operations at Varanasi and Prayagraj airports. What started as routine morning departures turned into a standstill, affecting tens of thousands of passengers nationwide.
Low visibility levels dropped below 50 meters, far short of the 550 meters required for safe landings. IndiGo, operating the majority of flights from these hubs, released an urgent advisory: ‘Expect significant delays or cancellations at VNS and IXD airports due to adverse weather.’ The airline recommended real-time tracking via their app.
Reports from the ground painted a vivid picture. At Varanasi, runways sat idle under a white shroud, while Prayagraj saw multiple diversions. A Delhi-bound IndiGo flight circled for over 30 minutes before rerouting to Lucknow, leaving passengers fuming.
The Meteorological Office attributed the fog to a combination of cold winds from the Himalayas and high moisture levels. This phenomenon, common from November to January, disrupts not just aviation but road and rail travel too. Historical data shows Uttar Pradesh airports lose over 20% of flights annually to fog.
Airlines are investing in solutions. IndiGo has equipped more aircraft with low-visibility landing capabilities, but airport infrastructure lags. Varanasi’s runway extension project, touted to mitigate such issues, faces delays.
Amid the chaos, authorities stepped up. Civil Aviation Ministry officials monitored the situation round-the-clock, coordinating with airlines for passenger relief. Water, meals, and hotel vouchers were distributed to those stuck overnight.
By midday, partial operations resumed as fog lifted slightly. Yet, with more haze predicted, experts advise caution. ‘Plan ahead, check weather apps, and have backups,’ said aviation analyst Rajiv Mehra. This episode serves as a stark reminder of nature’s dominance over modern travel schedules.
As India pushes for aviation growth, tackling fog-related disruptions head-on will be crucial. For now, stranded travelers dream of blue skies piercing through the misty veil.
