Severe winter fog once again disrupted air travel across North India after an Air India Express flight operating between Delhi and Lucknow was forced to return to its origin due to zero visibility conditions. Contrary to initial confusion suggesting a single prolonged circling incident, aviation authorities have clarified that Flight IX2171 faced two separate disruptions on January 2 and January 4, 2026, highlighting the growing impact of extreme winter weather on domestic aviation operations.
Fog-Induced Disruptions Grip Northern Airports
Flight IX2171, scheduled to operate from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), Delhi, to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow, was unable to land on both occasions due to runway visibility dropping below operational minima. With dense fog engulfing Lucknow airport, air traffic control advised the aircraft to return to Delhi in the interest of passenger safety.
Aviation officials confirmed that the aircraft did not remain airborne for an extended 171-minute duration, as was previously speculated. Instead, the two incidents occurred independently, reflecting recurring weather-related challenges rather than a single extraordinary event.
Key Details of the Incident
- Flight Number: Air India Express IX2171
- Route: Delhi–Lucknow
- Dates Affected: January 2 and January 4, 2026
- Reason: Zero visibility due to dense fog
- Outcome: Aircraft safely returned to Delhi on both occasions
Rising Impact of Winter Fog on Aviation
Every winter, dense fog in North India leads to widespread flight delays, diversions, and cancellations, particularly affecting airports in Delhi, Lucknow, Amritsar, and Varanasi. This year has been no exception, with visibility levels frequently falling below Category I and II landing requirements, forcing airlines to adopt conservative operational decisions.
Air India Express, like several other carriers, has activated its winter fog contingency protocols, which include fuel planning for diversions, crew readiness, and passenger assistance measures.
Passenger Experience and Airline Response
Passengers onboard Flight IX2171 reportedly experienced delays but were kept informed by crew members throughout the process. Upon return to Delhi, the airline arranged rescheduling, refunds, and ground support, in line with civil aviation guidelines.
An airline spokesperson emphasized that safety remains the highest priority, stating that returning to the departure airport is a standard and precautionary procedure when destination weather conditions deteriorate rapidly.
Broader Implications for Indian Aviation
The repeated return of Flight IX2171 underscores the systemic challenges posed by extreme winter weather to India’s aviation sector. While technological advancements such as CAT III Instrument Landing Systems have improved operational resilience, not all airports are fully equipped to handle prolonged zero-visibility conditions.
Aviation experts suggest that continued investment in airport infrastructure, advanced navigation systems, and real-time weather forecasting will be crucial to minimizing future disruptions.
