IndiGo says fog over Ranchi, Jammu, and Hindon Airport may impact flight schedules; Delhi IGI shares travel advisory
IndiGo requested flyers to stay updated on their flight status in the wake of dense fog around several airports that could impact flight services.
IndiGo and Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport issued travel advisories early Saturday in the wake of dense fog situations near airports that could impact flight services.
IndiGo said, “Low visibility and fog over #Ranchi, #Jammu, and #Hindon (Airport) may impact flight schedules. We are closely monitoring the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly.”
The airline requested flyers to stay updated on their flight status. They can go to http://bit.ly/3ZWAQXd to get an update. “Please be assured that our teams are here to assist you at every step and provide full support,” IndiGo said in a post X on Saturday.
“We look forward to clearer skies and a swift return to our regular schedule. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” it added.
Delhi airport shares travel advisory
The Delhi airport said in a post on X that “low Visibility Procedures are currently in progress at Delhi Airport.”
It said, “All flight operations are functioning normally.” It also advised passengers “to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates.”
Ministry of Civil Aviation issues directions to airlines
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Friday that in view of prevailing fog and low-visibility conditions impacting flight operations, airlines have been directed to strictly comply with passenger facilitation norms, in the interest of passenger safety and convenience.
This includes:
• Timely and accurate flight information
• Meals and refreshments for extended delays
• Rebooking or refunds in case of cancellations
• No denial of boarding after timely check-in
• Assistance during diversions and for persons with disabilities (PwDs)
• Timely refunds, baggage facilitation and effective grievance redressal
DGCA has been tasked with ensuring uniform implementation and close monitoring of compliance by all airlines. Passenger safety and convenience remain the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s priority.
Delhi air quality
Delhi woke up to a thick layer of toxic smog on Saturday morning, significantly impairing visibility and affecting residents. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reading stood at 380 at around 7 am, falling into the 'very poor' category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
However, the air quality spiked to 'severe' levels at certain places.
Several parts of the city continued to witness alarmingly high pollution levels. According CPCB, the AQI figure at Sarai Kale Khan stood at 428, while Akshardham recorded an AQI of 420. Rao Tularam Marg recorded an AQI of 403, and the Barapullah flyover area recorded 380.
Other pollution hotspots included Anand Vihar (428), Ashok Vihar (407), and the ITO area (429), also falling under the 'severe' category across large swathes of the national capital.
GRAP Stage-IV
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked all measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV across Delhi-NCR.
The restrictions under GRAP-IV include a ban on non-essential construction activities, entry of certain diesel vehicles, and enhanced enforcement to curb pollution sources.
Earlier, Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa conducted surprise inspections at several petrol pumps, including those at the Delhi-Gurugram border and Janpath, to review compliance with the 'No PUC, No Fuel' directive.