Blurred vision: Eight Delhi-bound flights diverted, over 60 delayed | Delhi News – Times of India



Blurred vision: Eight Delhi-bound flights diverted, over 60 delayed | Delhi News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Flight operations were hit on Monday as visibility dropped to zero metres at Indira Gandhi International Airport for the first time this season. Eight Delhi-bound flights were diverted to Jaipur and Ahmedabad between 6am and 9am, while over 60 flights were delayed.
According to India Meteorological Department, the visibility remained at zero metres at Delhi airport from 5.30am to 9.30am, prompting CAT-IIIB measures to be initiated. Runway visibility range at all the four runways was between 125 and 175 metres. However, there was a sudden improvement in the conditions from 10am.
RK Jenamani, senior scientist, IMD, said: “Usually, one-to-two days of dense fog are seen from December 16 onwards. This year, the formation of dense fog has been delayed.”
An early morning tweet by Delhi Airport stated: “While landings and takeoffs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT-III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted.”
Officials said the airport initiated low visibility procedures – measures aimed at making landing for flights easier – whenever visibility dipped below 800 metres. During this period, CAT-I procedures, which are the basic set of precautions, are initiated for visibility above 550 metres. Pilots who are CAT-II compliant are allowed to land when visibility is between 275 and 550 metres. However, CAT-III A and B pilots can land when visibility is below 275 metres and even at 50 metres. “The pilots who are trained in CAT-III procedures can make an aircraft to land with a minimum visibility of 50 metres. An aircraft can take off with a visibility of 125 metres,” said an official.
“The fog season presents unique challenges for the airports, but DIAL is fully prepared to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience for our passengers. We have invested in technology, infrastructure and staff training to mitigate disruptions and provide real-time information to passengers. Our focus remains on enhancing passenger experience and ensuring the highest standards of safety and security during this period,” CEO-DIAL Videh Kumar Jaipuriar had said last week.





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