Patna: Dense fog and severe cold have caused significant disruptions to flight and train schedules in Patna. Low visibility at Patna airport has led to the cancellation of one Delhi-bound flight and delays for 13 others, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated. Similarly, train services from Patna Junction are running late, further inconveniencing travelers.
Flights Delayed and Cancelled
Flights have been delayed by up to seven hours due to low runway visibility, which remained at 900 meters in the morning. Indigo flight 6E 357, scheduled to fly to Delhi, was initially delayed and later cancelled. Other flights to cities like Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru faced delays ranging from 1 to 3 hours.
Notable delays include Indigo flight 6E 805 to Bengaluru (2 hours 30 minutes), SpiceJet SG 729 to Delhi (2 hours 10 minutes), and Air India AI 898 to Delhi (3 hours). Inbound flights from cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi also reported delays of up to 3 hours, with Indigo 6E 643 from Bengaluru delayed by 3 hours 10 minutes.
Train Services Affected
The cold wave has also impacted train schedules, with nine trains from Patna Junction running behind schedule. Noteworthy delays include the Tejas Rajdhani Express (9 hours), Rajdhani Express (10 hours), and Magadh Express (6 hours). Other delayed trains include Vikramshila Express (5 hours), Sampoorna Kranti Express (5 hours), and Garib Rath Express (3 hours).
Fog Intensifies Challenges
The Airport Authority attributed the delays to reduced runway visibility caused by dense fog. As the day progresses, visibility is expected to improve, but the situation remains challenging for travelers. Meanwhile, train delays continue to disrupt connectivity across major routes, impacting passengers traveling between New Delhi, Kolkata, and other destinations.
