Patna: Flight operations at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna were disrupted on Monday as dense fog and low visibility led to the cancellation of five flights, adding to travel difficulties during the ongoing winter spell.
According to airport officials, the cancelled services included multiple routes connecting Patna with Delhi, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar and Chandigarh. The affected flights were operated by IndiGo and Air India, covering the Delhi–Patna–Delhi, Ranchi–Patna–Ranchi, Bhubaneswar–Patna–Chandigarh and related sectors.
Passengers faced delays and uncertainty throughout the day, with airlines citing weather conditions as the primary reason for the cancellations.
Visibility conditions in Patna remained poor for much of Monday, particularly during the morning hours. Dense fog reduced visibility to critically low levels, affecting both take-offs and landings. Although conditions improved marginally by the afternoon, fluctuating visibility continued to pose challenges for air traffic controllers and pilots, officials said.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for the next five days, warning that foggy conditions could persist across large parts of Bihar. Meteorologists said moderate to dense fog is likely over the next four to five days, especially during late nights and early mornings, with the potential to disrupt air, rail and road transport.
Weather officials have advised travellers to check flight schedules in advance and remain prepared for delays or cancellations as winter conditions continue to grip the region.
