December 31, 2024

Chandigarh International Airport has been facing significant flight disruptions due to dense fog. On a recent Monday, six flights were delayed, including major departures to Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Passengers faced long waiting times and inconveniences as visibility at the airport dropped to critical levels, hampering safe flight operations.

In a more severe instance last month, three flight arrivals were canceled, three were diverted, and numerous others faced delays ranging from three to four hours. Flights from Delhi and Bengaluru were among those affected, leaving many travelers stranded. Evening flights to destinations such as Pune, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata have also been routinely canceled due to the persistent fog, further complicating travel plans for passengers. These disruptions highlight the challenges of operating flights during the winter months when dense fog often blankets the region.

In addition to weather-related issues, farmers' protests have caused major disruptions to traffic and public transport between Chandigarh and Delhi. A recent Punjab bandh led to road blockades at key locations, including the airport road and major highways, resulting in extensive traffic jams. Authorities were forced to divert vehicles to alternate routes, which only partially alleviated the congestion. Travelers heading to and from the airport were particularly affected, with many missing their flights or facing hours of delays.

Rail services have also been severely impacted by the protests, with over 200 trains canceled in recent weeks. This has left thousands of passengers stranded, forcing them to make last-minute changes to their travel plans. Public transport services, including buses, have not been spared either. Disruptions to bus routes have left commuters stranded at terminals, further complicating the daily routines of residents and travelers alike.

Adding to these challenges is the harsh cold weather that has gripped the region. In Ludhiana, both bus and train services have been adversely affected, with numerous delays and cancellations reported. Passengers have been forced to wait in freezing conditions, often without adequate shelter or heating. The combination of dense fog and cold temperatures has created hazardous conditions on the roads as well, prompting authorities to issue advisories for cautious driving. Many private vehicles have been involved in accidents due to low visibility and icy road surfaces.

These disruptions have had a ripple effect on the daily lives of people in the region. Businesses have reported delays in deliveries and logistical challenges, while schools and offices have seen lower attendance due to difficulties in commuting. The tourism sector has also taken a hit, with travelers canceling or postponing trips due to the uncertain conditions.

Authorities are working to mitigate the impact of these disruptions. At Chandigarh International Airport, additional ground staff have been deployed to assist passengers, and efforts are being made to enhance the airport's fog-handling capabilities. On the roads, traffic police are actively managing diversions and providing assistance to stranded commuters. Meanwhile, railways are exploring options to accommodate affected passengers, including running special trains where possible.

Travelers are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and the status of flights, trains, and buses before embarking on their journeys. Those traveling by road should exercise caution, ensure their vehicles are in good condition, and consider carrying emergency supplies such as warm clothing and food. Planning for delays and exploring alternative travel options can also help minimize inconvenience.

In conclusion, the convergence of dense fog, farmers' protests, and cold weather has created a challenging environment for travel and daily life in Chandigarh and the surrounding regions. While efforts are being made to address these issues, travelers and residents must remain vigilant and adaptable to navigate these disruptions effectively.

S.A.S. Nagar, May 27: The District Magistrate Mr. Girish Dayalan in his capacity as the Chairperson District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), has issued directions for the domestic air passengers at the Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL,) Mohali for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and effective tracking & surveillance of passengers, as per the revised instructions received from the Punjab Government.

1. All the passengers shall be screened for COVID-19 at the airport with the Civil Surgeon, Mohali deploying adequate teams for the purpose at the airport. All asymptomatic persons belonging to Punjab/whose destination is Punjab, shall be required to undergo mandatory home quarantine for a period of 14 days from the date of arrival.

2. All the symptomatic persons/any other cases as determined by the medical team shall be tested. If positive, the person shall be shifted to an isolation facility and if negative, shall still be required to undergo home quarantine for 14 days and shall self monitor their health status and report to the nearest government health facility in case they develop any COVID-19 symptoms.

3. All incoming passengers belonging to Punjab or whose destination is Punjab, shall install COVA app on their Smartphones before exiting the airport. They shall also necessarily turn on Bluetooth and GPS. The airlines shall publicise this extensively to ensure that this information is made available to all the passengers boarding the flights well before their departure. In-flight announcements shall also be made in each flight regarding the protocol as laid down in these orders. The airlines shall be responsible for ensuring this as without this info, tracking of passengers becomes very difficult for all State/District Authorities. Any violations shall invite penal action as per law. 

4. The Nodal Officer shall ensure that lists are obtained from the respective Station Managers and compiled on daily basis. He shall also ensure that the instructions regarding COVA app
installation and Bluetooth/GPS and home quarantine are communicated to applicable passengers. That daily information is sent to State Covid control room and also to other States/respective DCs via email for further necessary action. The information with regard to Mohali District shall also be sent to the District Control Room for further action. Besides, he shall also report any deviations of the above and the persons responsible for the same.

February 5, 2020 (Airportchandigarh.com): On 29-01-2020 State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Chandigarh in a judgment fined approximately Rs. 70 lacs to airlines and travel agency to be paid to a passenger for causing harassment. (Case # 95 of 2019)

April 11, 2019 (Airportchandigarh.com): After waiting for several years, the airport has finally started to operate round the clock. This means that many more flights can now operate at Mohali airport. The number of passengers using the airport is expected to go up from 2.2 million to 3 million by next year. The airport is now all set to handle big size aircrafts, parking for airplanes and 24 hours operations. This means that long haul international flights to continents like North America, Europe and Australia etc. can start anytime.

A huge revenue boost for many industries is expected in the local region as more passengers land at the airport. Cat-III Instrument Landing System is also being installed, which will make it much easier for flights to land in foggy weather. The major problem currently being faced at the airport is cancellation of several flights almost daily in the winter season due to poor weather conditions. With Cat-III ILS, this problem will be resolved to a great extent as Cat-III offers visibility at shorter distance.