A Delhi-bound Air India Express flight originating from Goa was diverted to Ahmedabad in the early hours of Monday as dense fog engulfed the national capital, significantly disrupting flight operations. The aircraft, which departed from Mopa Airport in Goa at 11:55 PM, was scheduled to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 1 at 2:35 AM.
However, deteriorating visibility conditions over Delhi prompted aviation authorities to divert the flight in the interest of passenger safety, officials said.
Ahmedabad Chosen as Alternate Due to Congestion at Jaipur
According to news agency ANI, the flight was diverted to Ahmedabad after Jaipur Airport, a commonly used alternate, was already congested with several other flights diverted due to similar fog-related disruptions. Aviation sources stated that multiple airports in northern India witnessed increased air traffic congestion as airlines sought alternate landing destinations amid widespread low visibility conditions.
The decision to divert to Ahmedabad was taken following standard aviation safety protocols, ensuring adequate ground handling capacity and passenger support.
Fog Disrupts Flight Operations Across Delhi
A dense layer of fog enveloped Delhi on Monday, severely impacting flight schedules at IGI Airport. Several arrivals and departures were delayed or diverted as visibility levels dropped, affecting both domestic and international operations. Airport authorities and airlines issued advisories cautioning passengers about potential delays and urging them to check flight status before heading to the airport.
Officials emphasized that flight diversions and delays during foggy conditions are precautionary measures aimed at maintaining operational safety.
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Very Dense Fog
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for very dense fog in Delhi on Monday, forecasting poor visibility conditions during early morning hours. According to the IMD, maximum and minimum temperatures in the capital are expected to hover around 22 degrees Celsius and 7 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Meteorological officials noted that such weather patterns are typical during peak winter months in northern India and often lead to intermittent disruptions in air, rail, and road transport.
Passenger Safety Remains Key Priority
Airlines and airport operators reiterated that passenger safety remains the foremost priority during adverse weather conditions. Flight diversions, while inconvenient, are considered essential to avoid risks associated with low visibility landings.
Authorities stated that coordination among air traffic control, airline operations teams, and meteorological agencies continues to play a crucial role in managing winter fog-related disruptions efficiently.
Seasonal Fog Highlights Need for Preparedness
The recurring fog episodes during winter months underscore the importance of robust contingency planning in aviation operations. Enhanced coordination, timely advisories, and improved passenger communication are increasingly viewed as critical components in mitigating the impact of weather-related disruptions.
As dense fog conditions are expected to persist intermittently over the coming days, passengers have been advised to remain updated through official airline and airport communication channels.
