Every winter, flights delayed due to fog become one of the most searched travel issues in India. Dense fog conditions, especially around North India, disrupt flight schedules, affect passenger plans, and create long waiting hours at airports. Travellers passing through Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport often look for real-time IGI airport updates, explanations of CAT-III landing systems, and practical winter travel tips to manage delays smoothly.
This guide breaks down why fog causes delays, how airlines and airports handle such conditions, and what passengers can realistically do to reduce stress and confusion.
Why Flights Get Delayed During Foggy Weather
Fog reduces visibility near runways, making it unsafe for aircraft to take off or land without special systems. When visibility drops below certain limits, air traffic controllers slow down or temporarily halt operations.
Common reasons behind flights delayed due to fog include:
• Poor runway visibility
• Safety restrictions for pilots
• Air traffic congestion
• Delayed incoming aircraft
• Limited landing slots
• Crew duty time limitations
Even after visibility improves, delays may continue because schedules get disrupted across multiple routes.
Understanding IGI Airport Updates During Fog
IGI airport updates play a crucial role during foggy conditions. The airport authority and airlines share advisories to help passengers plan their travel better.
Typical updates include:
• Changes in departure and arrival timings
• Advisory messages on expected delays
• Operational notices for passengers
• General weather-related guidance
• Requests to arrive early or check status online
Following official airline messages is more reliable than social media rumours, especially during heavy fog spells.
What Is CAT-III and Why It Matters During Fog
One of the most searched terms during winter travel disruptions is CAT-III. It refers to a highly advanced landing system that allows aircraft to land safely even in very low visibility.
Here’s a simple explanation:
CAT-III (Category III Instrument Landing System) enables pilots to land aircraft using onboard instruments instead of visual cues when fog is dense.
Key points about CAT-III:
• Allows landing in extremely low visibility
• Requires trained pilots and equipped aircraft
• Needs compatible runway infrastructure
• Not all flights or airlines are CAT-III compliant
• Helps reduce but not eliminate delays
Even with CAT-III systems, congestion and safety checks can still result in flights delayed due to fog.
Why Delays Continue Even With CAT-III Available
Many passengers assume CAT-III means zero delays, but that’s not always true. Several practical factors still affect operations.
These include:
• Limited number of CAT-III trained pilots
• Fewer CAT-III-enabled aircraft
• Runway congestion
• Spacing between landings
• Ground handling delays
• Crew scheduling issues
This is why delays may continue despite advanced landing technology being in place.
Airline Advice When Flights Are Delayed Due to Fog
When fog disrupts schedules, airlines usually release standard guidance to help passengers manage travel.
Common airline advice includes:
• Check flight status before leaving home
• Use airline apps or official websites
• Avoid arriving too early at the airport
• Keep identity and booking documents ready
• Stay reachable on registered contact numbers
• Follow announcements closely
These steps align with general winter travel tips shared every season.
What Passengers Can Do to Reduce Travel Stress
Although weather is uncontrollable, preparation can significantly reduce inconvenience. If you’re facing flights delayed due to fog, consider the following practical checklist.
Passenger checklist for fog delays:
• Track live flight status regularly
• Keep power banks charged
• Carry snacks and water
• Save airline helpline numbers
• Keep flexible connections if possible
• Avoid tight layovers
• Be patient during peak fog hours
These small steps help travellers stay calm and organised during long waiting periods.
Best Time Windows to Avoid Severe Fog Impact
Fog intensity usually follows a predictable pattern during winter months. Understanding this helps travellers plan smarter.
General visibility trends:
• Late night to early morning: highest fog density
• Early morning hours: maximum delays
• Midday to afternoon: gradual improvement
• Evening: relatively stable conditions
Choosing afternoon departures can sometimes reduce exposure to major disruptions linked to flights delayed due to fog.
How Airports Manage Operations During Dense Fog
Airports implement several strategies to maintain safety and flow during foggy weather.
These include:
• Adjusting runway usage
• Managing landing slots
• Coordinating with air traffic control
• Prioritising certain flights
• Issuing regular IGI airport updates
• Deploying ground staff for passenger support
Despite these measures, weather unpredictability remains the biggest challenge.
Why Fog-Related Travel Issues Trend Every Winter
Topics like flights delayed due to fog trend every year because they affect thousands of passengers simultaneously. High travel volumes, holiday movement, and morning departures make winter fog a recurring concern.
Search interest increases due to:
• Travel disruptions
• Social media posts by passengers
• Airline advisories
• News coverage
• Need for clear guidance
This makes fog-related travel content consistently relevant during winter months.
Conclusion
Flights delayed due to fog are a seasonal reality, especially during winter travel through major airports like Delhi. Understanding how CAT-III works, following official IGI airport updates, and applying smart winter travel tips can make the experience far less stressful. While fog cannot be controlled, preparation and awareness help passengers manage delays with confidence and clarity.
FAQs
Why are flights delayed due to fog?
Fog reduces visibility, making it unsafe for aircraft to land or take off, which causes operational delays.
What is CAT-III in aviation?
CAT-III is an advanced landing system that allows aircraft to land safely in very low visibility conditions.
Does CAT-III prevent all delays?
No, even with CAT-III, congestion and operational limits can still cause delays.
How can I check IGI airport updates?
You can check airline apps, official airport announcements, and registered alerts for updates.
What are the best winter travel tips during fog?
Travel later in the day, monitor flight status, keep essentials handy, and stay flexible with plans.