IndiGo on Monday cancelled 118 flights across its domestic network as adverse weather conditions and limited operational constraints significantly disrupted flight schedules. According to information available on the airline’s official website, the majority of the cancellations were attributed to poor weather conditions affecting multiple airports, while a smaller number were linked to operational reasons. The disruption once again highlighted the seasonal challenges faced by Indian aviation during the winter fog period.
Fog Conditions Disrupt Operations Across Major Cities
Dense fog continued to prevail across Delhi and several airports in northern India, severely impacting visibility and flight movements. Airports in cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Dehradun, Indore, Patna, and Bhopal were among those affected. The reduced visibility led to delays and cancellations as airlines were forced to regulate departures and arrivals to ensure operational safety.
IndiGo Issues Travel Advisory Amid Ongoing Disruptions
In a travel advisory issued at 11.20 am, IndiGo cautioned passengers that foggy conditions were yet to improve fully, particularly in northern India. The airline warned that the impact on flight schedules could extend into the noon hours, potentially resulting in further delays. While the advisory did not specify the total number of cancelled flights, IndiGo stated that flight operations were being managed in a phased manner to ensure passenger comfort and orderly movement at affected airports.
Operational Challenges Compound Weather-Related Issues
Of the 118 flights cancelled on Monday, six were scrapped due to operational reasons, underscoring the cumulative impact of weather-related disruptions and internal scheduling constraints. Airlines typically face increased pressure during the winter months, as fog conditions coincide with high travel demand, placing strain on crew availability, aircraft rotations, and airport infrastructure.
Recent Regulatory Changes Add to Industry Pressures
Earlier this month, IndiGo had cancelled thousands of flights, including nearly 1,600 services in a single day, following court-mandated enforcement of stricter flight duty time and mandatory rest period norms for pilots. These regulatory changes, aimed at improving aviation safety, have added to the operational complexities faced by carriers during an already challenging fog season.
Fog Season Continues to Impact Indian Aviation
Since the onset of the fog season on December 10, flight cancellations and delays have continued in significant numbers across India’s aviation network. Industry experts note that while safety remains paramount, sustained disruptions highlight the need for enhanced fog-management systems, improved scheduling buffers, and better passenger communication to mitigate the impact during peak winter months.
