Severe fog created major disruption at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka this morning, with at least 8 flights that were inbound flights diverted to alternative airports. Due to a reduction in visibility below the operational safety limits of DAC, it became impossible for several aircraft to land in DAC in the early morning hours of this day.
Airport authorities reported that fog began to develop in the early morning hours before dawn, resulting in flights arriving both domestically and internationally being affected. With fluctuating visibility, pilots were advised to divert their aircraft rather than attempt to land in conditions that were unsafe.
Flights Diverted to Alternatives from DAC
According to an official report prepared by the aviation authorities, the diverted inbound flights were rerouted to the nearest airports, including Chattogram (CGP) and Kolkata (CCU) after flying circuits in the Dhaka (DAC) airspace for an extended period of time. Many of the delayed flights were forced to remain in holding patterns for an extended period as it was uncertain whether weather conditions would improve before the flight’s destination became critical for safety or fuelling considerations.
In addition to the flights that were diverted to alternate airports, many of the delayed inbound flights also experienced lengthy delays that created significant congestion in both the departure and arrival areas of DAC, resulting in continuous updates to the flight schedules.
Passengers Face Delays and Confusion
Many passengers faced long wait times and were stranded as a result of the weather disruptions. In addition, travellers expressed concern regarding updated arrival times and connecting flight options, especially on international flights. Some airlines offered complimentary food and drinks to assist passengers; however, other airlines could not effectively manage the influx of delayed passengers.
Business travellers, families and transiting passengers were the most severely impacted by missed meetings and altered travel schedules during the morning hours.
Authorities state safety is their first concern
Officials at the airport indicated that decisions to divert flights were made based solely on safety considerations. Although the airport is equipped with modern catering and instrument landing systems, visibility conditions due to fog may cause visibility to fall below what is considered operationally safe.
The air traffic control centre worked closely with both pilots to coordinate the airspace congestion and facilitate safe diversions to avoid any possibility of accidents occurring while flying in dense fog conditions.
Recurring Winter conditions at Dhaka Airport
Dense fog is a regular winter event in Dhaka and occurs often between December and January. Weather experts indicate that, as a result of high humidity, cold temperatures, and air pollutant levels, such conditions lead to increased fog presence, particularly during early morning hours. Appointment disruptions such as this type of event are more common today than they have been in the past, increasing the need for peak winter travel preparedness.
Operations will gradually begin to return to normal once visibility conditions improve.
Read Also: Tiny Toes, Big Chills: Why Winter Demands Smarter Childcare Routines
