Flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) continued to be disrupted for the second day on Wednesday as the smog situation further worsened in the national Capital. A closed runway and ATC congestion added to the commuters' woes.
More than 200 flights were affected as visibility dropped to 250-300 m at the airport during the early hours of Wednesday and late in the evening. Apart from that, 70 trains arriving and departing from Delhi were also delayed.
According to the airport officials, no flight was, however, diverted or cancelled, unlike Tuesday, when a flight was diverted and more than 300 were delayed. Officials said that since CAT II operations had to be put in place, it led to congestion in air traffic.
Also, airport operator DIAL had earlier informed that its runway 29-11 would remain shut for three days, November 7-10, for maintenance work. "29-11 is the main runway, which also allows CAT III operations. Since it is under maintenance, flights were delayed, which led to a backlog," a senior official said.
They added that keeping in mind the fog and adverse weather conditions expected in future, they have planned to undertake several measures to ensure passenger convenience.
Deployment of additional traffic marshalls for smooth taxi flow during fog, adequate lighting in parking areas, and increased number of patrol vehicles fitted with radio sets and beacons are some of the measures that will
be taken.
ADDITIONAL TRAINS
- The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has decided to run 186 train trips more to help public combat the weather.
- Starting Thursday, 3,317 train trips will be made instead of the normal practice of 3,131.
