IndiGo Issues Travel Advisory: Flights to North and East Indian Cities Impacted Due to Dense Fog and Low Visibility
Amidst a severe cold wave and deteriorating weather conditions, IndiGo Airlines has issued a fresh travel advisory for passengers traveling to North and East India. Operations at several key airports, including Chandigarh, Varanasi, Patna, Ranchi, and Gorakhpur, have been significantly disrupted as dense fog reduced visibility to near-zero levels during early morning hours.
In Chandigarh, the situation remained particularly critical on Thursday, December 18, with the airline proactively cancelling multiple flights to prioritize safety and avoid long passenger wait times at terminals. Impacted routes included high-traffic sectors such as Chandigarh-Pune, Chandigarh-Delhi, and Chandigarh-Bengaluru.
Safety First: Proactive Cancellations and Adjustments
In a statement released to passengers, IndiGo highlighted that while they are closely monitoring the weather, the current atmospheric conditions are beyond operational control. “Safety remains our top priority. We are making thoughtful adjustments on the ground to minimize inconvenience and ensure support for those affected,” the airline noted.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that these dense fog conditions are likely to persist for the next few days as winter intensifies across the Indo-Gangetic plains. Visibility at major hubs like Delhi’s IGI Airport dropped as low as 100 meters earlier this morning.
Guidance for Passengers: The ‘Plan B’ Option
For passengers whose travel plans have been derailed, IndiGo has activated its ‘Plan B’ portal. This facility allows travelers to:
- Rebook their flights on an alternative date or time at no additional cost.
- Claim a Full Refund if the alternative schedules do not suit their requirements.
Commuter Advice:
- Check Status Before Leaving: Passengers are urged to use the IndiGo Flight Tracker before heading to the airport.
- Road Traffic Alerts: Thick fog is also impacting highways; travelers are advised to leave early to account for slow-moving road traffic.
- Buffer Time: Allow at least an additional 60–90 minutes for airport procedures during the winter peak.
IndiGo’s ground teams remain on high alert across affected stations to assist stranded passengers with refreshments and real-time updates.
