Bhubaneswar, Jan 1: Flight operations at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) were severely disrupted on the second day of the winter season due to dense fog, causing diversions and delays that inconvenienced hundreds of passengers.

According to airport officials, five flights had to be diverted early in the morning when visibility on the runway dropped to just 50 meters around 6:30 AM. For safe take-off and landing, a minimum visibility of 550 meters is required. Out of the diverted flights, three were rerouted to Raipur and two to Kolkata. Among them, three flights originated from Delhi, while one each came from Chennai and Bengaluru.

The Bhubaneswar-Dehradun flight scheduled to depart at 6 AM could only take off at 10 AM after conditions improved. Similarly, a Jaipur-bound flight also faced significant delays.

Also read: Dense Fog Disrupts Flights Across North India

Airport authorities confirmed that all necessary passenger support protocols were followed, including refreshments, assistance, and rescheduling options.

Prasanna Pradhan, Director of Bhubaneswar Airport, urged passengers to check flight timings before leaving home as foggy conditions are expected to continue in the coming days. He assured that airlines and airport staff are working closely to minimize inconvenience and ensure safety.

This marks the second consecutive day of flight disruptions caused by heavy fog in Bhubaneswar, highlighting the seasonal challenges faced by air travellers during winter. With visibility expected to remain poor in the mornings, passengers are advised to stay updated through official airline notifications and airport advisories.

While the delays have caused frustration among travellers, authorities emphasized that safety remains the top priority. The airport continues to monitor weather conditions closely and coordinate with airlines to manage schedules effectively.