A total of 15 flights were diverted, and over 100 others were delayed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday, as poor visibility caused by bad weather conditions severely impacted flight operations, according to an official. The national capital is also grappling with high pollution levels, exacerbating the situation.
Of the 15 diverted flights, 13 were rerouted to Jaipur, while one each was redirected to Dehradun and Lucknow. These diversions took place between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm, news agency PTI reported. The official noted that some pilots were not trained for CAT III operations, which are necessary for flying in extremely low visibility conditions. CAT III-trained pilots are authorised to take off or land aircraft in such conditions.
In addition to the diversions, more than 100 flights were delayed due to the adverse weather. “Low visibility procedures are in progress at Delhi airport. All flight operations are at present normal,” Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said in a post on X early on Monday. DIAL, which operates the airport handling around 1,400 flight movements daily, urged passengers to check with airlines for updates on flight statuses.
Kind attention to all flyers!#Fog #FogAlert #DelhiAirport pic.twitter.com/FzggP0Rnou
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) November 18, 2024
Airlines, including Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo, also took to X to inform passengers about possible disruptions. “Poor visibility in Delhi and some parts of Northern India are affecting flight operations to and from Delhi today. Guests are advised to start early for the airport, as slow traffic may delay your movement,” Air India posted on Monday afternoon.
SpiceJet shared, “Due to poor visibility in Delhi, all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected,” in an early morning post. IndiGo, in a Sunday night advisory, cautioned: “#6ETravelAdvisory: Fog is currently affecting visibility in Delhi, which may result in slow moving traffic and delays in flight schedules.”
Some diversions were necessitated as certain pilots were not trained for CAT III operations, which are required for managing flights under extremely low visibility conditions.
A layer of smog continues to envelop the national capital as air quality remains in the ‘Severe’ category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
#WATCH | Delhi | A layer of smog envelops the national capital as air quality remains in the ‘Severe’ category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
(Drone visuals from Mayur Vihar and surrounding areas shot at 5.25 pm) pic.twitter.com/YgzF0Tg6RF
— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2024
AAP Minister Gopal Rai Slams Modi Govt Over Delhi Pollution Crisis
Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government for failing to address the severe air pollution crisis in the region. Speaking at a press conference, Rai announced that the Delhi government has directed the health department to form a special task force at LNJP Hospital to manage medical emergencies stemming from pollution.
ALSO READ | Punjab Reports 1,251 Fresh Farm Fires Today Even As Delhi Chokes Under ‘Severe Plus’ AQI
“I have directed the health department to form a special task force at LNJP Hospital to address medical emergencies,” Rai stated, as per PTI. Criticising the central government, he said, “The entire north India is suffering from severe air pollution, but the central government is sleeping. During this critical time, the BJP is quiet, and the central government seems to be in deep slumber, despite the urgent need for action.”
Rai further remarked, “If the central government had collaborated and acted in a timely manner, people in Delhi wouldn’t have to face these hazardous conditions.” He also urged the Centre to take emergency measures. The Delhi government has already enforced GRAP-IV measures after the air quality index (AQI) hit severe levels.
