Flight Operations Disrupted at Kolkata’s Dum Dum Airport Due to Fog, Passengers Protest
Kolkata, January 24 : Dense fog enveloped Kolkata on Friday morning, severely disrupting flight operations at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Dum Dum Airport). The sudden cancellation of a Bagdogra-bound flight left passengers furious, prompting protests at the airport.
The visibility dropped to a mere 50 meters, forcing several flights to circle mid-air or divert to alternate airports. Airport officials confirmed that the Bagdogra-bound flight was canceled just minutes before its scheduled departure due to the adverse weather conditions.
Passengers Vent Frustration Over Last-Minute Cancellations
The abrupt cancellation sparked outrage among passengers, who expressed their dissatisfaction with the airport authorities. Many passengers criticized the lack of timely communication, questioning why the decision wasn’t made earlier.
One agitated passenger said, “If they knew about the fog and poor visibility, why wasn’t the flight canceled in advance? This last-minute decision has caused unnecessary chaos.”
Others accused airport officials of withholding information, further fueling tensions in the terminal.
Impact of Dense Fog on Flight Operations
The dense fog that blanketed Kolkata significantly reduced visibility, forcing the cancellation of several flights and causing delays. Planes were seen circling above the airport as pilots awaited clearance to land, while some flights were diverted to other airports.
Airport officials explained that despite the use of advanced lighting systems to combat low visibility, the weather conditions were too severe for safe operations. They assured passengers that efforts were being made to minimize disruptions, but normal operations would resume only after weather conditions improved.
Weather Department’s Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued a fog warning for the region, predicting that dense fog would persist for the next few days. While the region is not currently experiencing a cold wave, the fog has become a significant obstacle, disrupting both air and road transportation.
Authorities Respond to Criticism
In response to the passengers’ protests, an airport spokesperson stated, “Safety is our top priority. The flight was canceled due to unavoidable weather conditions, and passengers were informed as soon as the decision was made.”
The spokesperson added that passengers affected by cancellations were being accommodated on alternate flights or offered refunds as per standard procedures.
