Havoc at IGI: 228 Flights Cancelled, 800 Delayed
New Delhi, India – Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) experienced significant operational disruptions on Tuesday, leading to the cancellation of 228 flights and delays affecting approximately 800 others. The disruptions were attributed to a combination of adverse weather conditions and technical issues within the airport’s air traffic control systems.
The chaos began early in the morning when heavy fog enveloped the Delhi region, reducing visibility to less than 50 meters in some areas. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning about the fog, which was expected to persist throughout the day. The low visibility conditions forced airlines to delay departures and arrivals, as safety protocols require a minimum visibility level for aircraft operations.
As the day progressed, the situation worsened when a technical glitch in the air traffic control system compounded the delays. Sources at the airport indicated that the issue affected the ability of air traffic controllers to manage flight schedules effectively, leading to a backlog of aircraft waiting to take off and land. The combination of weather-related delays and technical difficulties created a perfect storm of operational challenges for the airport, which is one of the busiest in India.
By midday, the airport authorities had reported that 228 flights had been cancelled, while nearly 800 others were experiencing delays ranging from one to several hours. Airlines, including major carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, were forced to adjust their schedules and inform passengers of the changes. Many travelers expressed frustration and confusion as they navigated the chaotic scene at the airport, with long lines forming at check-in counters and customer service desks.
In response to the situation, the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which operates IGI, issued a statement urging passengers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. The statement also emphasized that the airport was working closely with airlines and relevant authorities to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.
The disruptions at IGI are particularly significant given the airport’s role as a major hub for domestic and international travel. In 2019, IGI handled over 70 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in the world. The airport serves as a critical gateway for travelers entering and exiting India, and disruptions of this magnitude can have far-reaching implications for both passengers and the broader aviation industry.
The impact of the cancellations and delays extended beyond the airport itself. Many passengers were left stranded, with some missing connecting flights to other destinations. The situation also raised concerns about the potential economic repercussions, as delays in air travel can affect business operations, tourism, and logistics. The aviation sector in India has been recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and incidents like this can hinder progress and erode consumer confidence.
As the day wore on, the weather conditions began to improve, with visibility gradually increasing. However, the backlog of flights remained a challenge, and airport officials indicated that it would take several hours to clear the delays and resume normal operations. By late afternoon, some airlines had begun to resume flights, but many passengers continued to face uncertainty regarding their travel plans.
The incident at IGI serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in air travel, particularly in regions prone to adverse weather conditions. Airports and airlines are continually working to enhance their operational resilience, but unexpected events can still lead to significant disruptions. The situation also highlights the importance of effective communication between airlines, airport authorities, and passengers during times of crisis.
In the coming days, the airport is expected to conduct a thorough review of the events that led to the disruptions, including an assessment of the technical issues that affected air traffic control. Stakeholders in the aviation industry will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that lessons are learned and measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As travelers continue to navigate the aftermath of the disruptions, the focus will remain on restoring normalcy at IGI and addressing the needs of affected passengers. The incident underscores the complexities of modern air travel and the need for robust systems to manage unforeseen challenges.
