Passengers booked on early-morning flights from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on January 11 and 12 have been advised to factor in possible delays and slower road traffic as winter fog and low visibility threaten to disrupt pre-dawn operations, particularly during the busy departure banks before sunrise and the first wave of domestic arrivals.
The advisory comes in the backdrop of repeated fog episodes this winter, when dense, ground-hugging clouds have forced Kempegowda airport to activate low visibility procedures, slowing aircraft movements and triggering knock-on delays well into the morning travel window, even after conditions began to improve and visibility crossed safe operating thresholds for regular schedules.
Fog window at Bengaluru airport: When delays are most likely
Aviation and meteorological officials say Bengaluru’s “fog window” typically stretches from about 3 am to 8.30 or 9 am between November and February, when clear skies, light winds and rapidly cooling ground favour the formation of radiation fog around open areas, including runways and taxiways at the Devanahalli airport campus.
On multiple mornings this season, visibility at Kempegowda airport has dropped sharply soon after 5.00 am, compelling air-traffic controllers to restrict movements and airlines to hold or reschedule flights, with at least 40 to 48 services delayed during some recent events before operations stabilised closer to mid-morning once the sun burned off surface moisture.
How low visibility affects flight operations at BLR
Both runways at Kempegowda are equipped with Category III-B Instrument Landing Systems designed to support landings in very low visibility, yet airport officials stress that when fog thickens rapidly or visibility dips below critical thresholds, safety margins require slower sequencing of movements, temporary holds and, in some cases, diversions to other metros.
During a recent dense-fog event, low visibility procedures were initiated around 4.45 am, and between 5.30 am and 10 am nearly four dozen flights were delayed, while a handful were diverted to Chennai and Hyderabad, illustrating how quickly conditions near the runway can cascade into a backlog affecting passengers booked even on later morning departures.
Official advisories: Arrive early, track your flight
Bengaluru airport operators have already issued a passenger advisory this season warning that “due to forecasted low visibility caused by fog over the next few days, there may be flight delays and road traffic congestion on the routes to the airport,” urging travellers to arrive well in advance to complete check-in, security and boarding formalities without last-minute stress.
Separately, amid tighter nationwide security checks, BLR Airport has recommended that domestic passengers plan to reach the terminal at least three hours before departure and international flyers even earlier, with officials asking travellers to monitor airline apps, SMS alerts and websites for real-time updates before setting out from home.
| Time window | Fog / delay risk at BLR | Passenger planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| 3 am – 6 am | Highest; low visibility procedures common | Monitor status; expect holds or rescheduling |
| 6 am – 9 am | Moderate; backlog from earlier flights | Reach airport early; add extra commute buffer |
| After 9 am | Lower; operations usually stabilise | Check for residual delays on inbound sectors |
What Bengaluru flyers should do on January 11–12
For passengers flying out of Bengaluru on January 11 and 12, especially on IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, Akasa and other early-morning services, travel planners suggest checking flight status repeatedly, enabling airline notifications, keeping airport access routes in mind, and allowing a generous buffer for highway congestion and potentially longer queues at check-in and security.
Recent disruptions across Indian airports show that even when dense fog episodes are short, their impact can ripple through the morning, making it prudent for Bengaluru flyers to budget extra time, carry essentials in cabin baggage, understand rebooking options and stay flexible as airport authorities balance passenger convenience with strict safety protocols during the winter fog window.
