Winter fog impact: Air India and IndiGo issue travel disruption warnings

New Delhi: Air India and IndiGo issued travel advisories to passengers as dense fog conditions across parts of north and east India continued to disrupt flight operations during the holiday travel season.

Both airlines urged passengers to remain patient as services gradually return to normal, citing reduced visibility at several key airports.

In its advisory, Air India said it remains on high alert and is making every effort to mitigate fog-related disruptions, acknowledging the importance of passengers’ travel plans during the festive and holiday period.

The airline said the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of dense fog in Delhi and parts of northern and eastern India could impact flight operations at airports including Delhi, Amritsar (ATQ), Chandigarh (IXC), Lucknow (LKO), Varanasi (VNS) and Patna (PAT), with possible cascading effects across its network.

Air India said it has taken proactive operational measures to minimise disruptions and assured passengers that ground staff will be available round the clock to assist in case of delays or cancellations and to make alternate travel arrangements.

Passengers booked on select flights during the fog-affected period will continue to receive advance alerts under the airline’s FogCare initiative, which allows travellers to reschedule flights without additional charges or opt for a full refund without penalty, the advisory said.

The airline advised passengers to check their flight status on its official website before heading to the airport and reiterated that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its top priority.

Meanwhile, IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, warning that persistent dense fog in Chandigarh and Amritsar has significantly reduced visibility, impacting flights to and from the two cities.

In a post on its official X handle, the airline said its teams are working closely to resume normal flight operations as soon as weather conditions improve. IndiGo recommended that passengers verify the latest flight status through its website or mobile application before proceeding to the airport.

The airline thanked passengers for their patience and assured them that boarding would resume once visibility levels improve and conditions are deemed safe for operations.

Further updates are awaited as airlines continue to monitor weather conditions closely.

ANI