Expect more foggy days ahead Delhi
Delhiites and those who take connecting flights from the Capital should be ready for a few days of dense fog. "There could be a short spell of very dense fog before mid-December," said said R.K. Jenamani, Director-in-Charge, IGIA met unit.
Delhiites and those who take connecting flights from the Capital should be ready for a few days of dense fog. "There could be a short spell of very dense fog before mid-December," said said R.K. Jenamani, Director-in-Charge, IGIA met unit.
"The weather is cloudy and rainy in eastern parts of India and easterly winds coming towards Delhi can bring the moisture from Bay of Bengal. If that happens, then there could be period of very dense fog, which might last for a few hours in the morning on a couple of days," he added.
On Monday morning, flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were affected after thick fog enveloped the airport.
Visibility had started dipping at the airport since 7.30 pm on Sunday. It plunged to 250 metres at 6.30 am on Monday. Category (CAT) I and II Instrument Landing System (ILS) had to be used to guide pilots in landing their airplanes.
Low visibility procedures had to be implemented at the airport from 7.20 am to 10.59 am. During this period, 136 arrivals and departures took place using the ILS. There were, however, no flight diversions or cancellations even when some flights got delayed.
The major problem period was between 6.30 am and 8.30 am, after which visibility improved. Visibility went down again around 3 pm, affecting operations of small aircraft and helicopters.
"There was dense fog for a short period in the morning but visibility was affected in the afternoon because of smog and pollution," said R.K. Jenamani, Director-in-Charge, IGIA met unit. The met department has predicted similar weather conditions on Tuesday.
Private airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) claims that it has taken several measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers and ensure continuity of flight operations during low visibility conditions during fog.
DIAL has provided 130 parking bays with CAT III compatible lighting systems and trained traffic marshals with equipment are being deployed at taxiways and vehicular lane crossings for better efficiency and safety.