Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) faced significant operational disruptions on Thursday morning as dense fog severely reduced visibility, resulting in delays to at least 41 flights.
While the city experienced light rainfall, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) did not issue any major weather alerts. However, persistent fog and low cloud cover created difficult conditions for safe aircraft movement.
Visibility Drops, Flight Schedules Impacted
Though skies were partly cloudy on Wednesday, Thursday morning saw a sharp dip in visibility around the airport. IMD reported that conditions remained misty with low-level clouds, complicating takeoffs and landings.
At 10 am, the airport recorded:
- Temperature: 20°C
- Relative Humidity: 73%
- Visibility: 1,500 meters
- Atmospheric Pressure: 1020 hPa
- Wind Speed: 14 knots (East/Northeast)
- Clouds: Scattered at 800 ft and 1200 ft
These parameters made it difficult for pilots and air traffic controllers to maintain regular flight schedules.
Airport authorities noted that weather conditions are expected to gradually improve by afternoon, helping restore normal operations.
Second Major Disruption This Week
This incident comes just 48 hours after another significant operational setback affected international air traffic.
On Tuesday, seven international flights scheduled between 1 am and 6 pm were cancelled due to volcanic ash from the Ethiopian eruption drifting into Indian airspace.
Additionally:
- 12 international flights were delayed,
- Both arrivals and departures were impacted,
- Airlines adjusted operations awaiting safer airspace conditions.
Regional Impact: Thiruvananthapuram Airport Restrictions
Adding to the region’s aviation challenges, the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport earlier issued a public advisory about temporary airspace restrictions from November 27 to December 3 due to the Navy’s Operational Demonstration 2025.
This has led to further adjustments in flight routes and timings across South India.
Fog Expected to Clear Later
Officials at Bengaluru airport stated that fog conditions are likely to ease as the day progresses, allowing operations to stabilise.
Passengers have been advised to stay updated with airline notifications regarding their flight schedules.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
