Dense fog causes major flight delays at Kempegowda International Airport

Dense fog caused significant flight delays at Kempegowda International Airport today as visibility dropped sharply during early morning operations. Multiple Bengaluru flights were impacted across arrivals and departures, forcing airlines to reschedule, hold, or divert aircraft until weather conditions improved.

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Low visibility conditions disrupt early morning operations
Flight disruptions began shortly after early morning schedules commenced, as dense fog reduced runway visibility to levels below the minimum required for safe aircraft movement. The airport’s airside operations team implemented low visibility procedures, which slowed down takeoffs and landings. Aircraft already in holding patterns were instructed to wait for improvement in visibility, while some inbound flights diverted to nearby airports to avoid extended airspace congestion. Passengers waiting inside terminals experienced delays as airlines updated departure timelines based on real time operational assessments. Morning hours remained the most severely affected since fog intensity typically peaks before sunrise during winter conditions.

Airlines issue advisories and adjust flight schedules
Airlines operating from Kempegowda International Airport issued advisories alerting passengers about delays and potential rescheduling. Carriers used SMS, app notifications, and airport display boards to communicate real time status updates. Domestic sectors such as Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Pune faced the highest number of delays due to the dense fog window aligning with high frequency morning operations. International flights scheduled for early hours also experienced disruptions but resumed once visibility stabilised. Airlines instructed passengers to arrive at least two hours before departure to complete check in formalities without added stress. The situation improved gradually as the fog lifted, allowing normal runway operations to restart later in the morning.

Why Bengaluru experiences fog related disruptions in winter
Bengaluru witnesses seasonal fog formation during late November and December because of a combination of nocturnal cooling, moisture accumulation, and weak wind movement. The area surrounding Kempegowda International Airport often experiences more intense fog due to its open landscape and relatively lower temperature pockets. When the moisture laden air cools rapidly overnight, the fog thickens enough to disrupt visual navigation. This affects both arrivals and departures, as aircraft rely on minimum runway visibility thresholds to execute safe operations. While the airport is equipped with advanced navigational aids to handle low visibility, extreme fog can still trigger operational slowdowns. The recurring pattern often leads to several days of intermittent delays during winter months.

Passenger experience affected across terminals
Passengers reported long waiting periods due to uncertain departure timelines. Those with connecting flights faced additional pressure as limited visibility reduced the pace of turnaround operations. The airport’s ground staff managed crowds by guiding passengers through check in, security, and boarding adjustments. Many travelers arriving from unaffected sectors found their gate allocations changed, while some international arrivals had longer taxiing times because of air traffic congestion. Despite the disruptions, airport authorities implemented standard fog season protocols that prioritize safety and operational coordination. Food courts, lounges, and seating areas experienced higher occupancy as passengers waited for revised boarding calls.

Operational recovery as visibility improves
Once visibility improved, the air traffic control team cleared the backlog by allowing sequential landings and takeoffs. Airlines worked to restore their schedules by reallocating aircraft and adjusting crew rosters. Turnaround times remained slightly extended during the recovery phase as ground handling teams managed multiple delayed flights at once. While operations normalized by late morning or early afternoon, residual delays continued to affect some flights throughout the day. Weather forecasts indicate that similar fog patterns may appear again in the coming days, prompting authorities to keep low visibility systems ready. Passengers scheduled to travel over the next week are likely to receive weather related advisories in advance.

Takeaways
Dense fog caused major delays at Kempegowda International Airport early morning
Multiple domestic and international flights were affected due to low visibility
Airlines issued advisories and rescheduled flights to manage disruptions
Normal operations resumed gradually as visibility improved later in the morning

FAQs
Why were flights delayed at Kempegowda International Airport today?
Dense fog reduced visibility below required safety levels, leading to delays in takeoffs and landings.

Which flights were most affected by the fog?
Morning domestic flights, especially those heading to major metros, were most impacted, along with a few early international services.

How long did the delays last?
Delays lasted until the fog lifted and visibility improved, after which operations gradually returned to normal.

What should passengers do during fog related disruptions?
Passengers should check flight status regularly, follow airline advisories, and arrive early to manage check in and security processes efficiently.