airport congestion Archives

Delhi, India: Air traffic in and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is facing significant disruption this week as temporary airspace closures come into force ahead of the 77th Republic Day celebrations. Authorities have issued formal restrictions that are expected to affect hundreds of scheduled flights between January 21 and January 26. Under Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and associated civil aviation agencies, the airspace over Delhi will be closed to commercial departures and arrivals daily between 10:20 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. (IST) for a duration of 2 hours 25 minutes. The restrictions are designed to facilitate military flypast rehearsals, parade drills and associated aerial security procedures ahead of the Republic Day parade. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 600 flights are likely to be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled over the six-day period due to the closure coinciding with one of IGIA’s busiest scheduling windows. Airlines have warned of unpredictable movement patterns throughout the affected window, with adjustments to flight departures and arrivals increasingly likely during the restricted hours. Passengers travelling to or from Delhi are being urged to check flight status updates directly with carriers before their scheduled departure. On January 19, well ahead of the formal restriction dates, three Srinagar–Delhi flights were cancelled as preliminary rehearsals triggered temporary shutdowns of critical airspace corridors, highlighting the cascading impacts of the restrictions. Regional disruptions are also emerging. On the Delhi–Pantnagar route, early-morning services were cancelled due to the imposed no-fly zone, with airlines offering rebooking or refunds to affected passengers. Similarly, two Air India flights operating between Nagpur and Delhi have been cancelled through January 26 as operators adjust schedules in light of the closure. The closures coincide with peak winter weather conditions in the national capital region. Dense fog and poor visibility have already contributed to flight delays and cancellations at IGIA and other airports in northern India in recent days. A travel advisory issued on January 17 by Delhi Airport officials highlighted that persistent fog coupled with heightened Republic Day security measures could create compounded challenges for passengers and airlines. The airspace restrictions form part of an integrated national security plan for Republic Day, which also includes extensive no-fly zones and road traffic curbs in central Delhi on rehearsal and parade days. Delhi Police and civil aviation authorities have coordinated the measures to balance security needs with transport continuity.

Republic Day Airspace Closures May Affect 600+ Flights At Delhi IGIA For 6 Days

Aviation Today News Desk / January 21, 2026

Delhi, India: Air traffic in and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is facing significant disruption this week as […]

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport saw a sharp reduction in flight cancellations for Thursday as the prolonged winter storm that crippled Europe’s busiest hub for air travel showed signs of easing, though delay risks remain and residual disruption persists. Airlines and airport officials reported only a small number of scheduled flights affected for 8 January, marking a significant improvement from the previous days of winter chaos that saw hundreds of flights scrapped daily. Officials from Schiphol and Dutch flag carrier KLM Royal Dutch Airlines confirmed that around 60 inbound services scheduled for Thursday had been cancelled by late Wednesday afternoon, largely due to aircraft being unable to return after cancellations earlier in the week. Only a handful of departing flights have been removed from the Thursday schedule. In total, six departures out of 565 scheduled Thursday flights were cancelled by various carriers, and approximately 30 incoming flights were expected to experience delays of varying durations. A spokesperson for Schiphol emphasised that weather conditions were expected to be milder than earlier in the week, and that airlines “do not expect as many cancellations as in recent days”. However, passengers were urged to plan for delays and to check flight status before arriving at the airport. The airport’s operational challenges began on 2 January 2026, when persistent snowfall, strong winds and freezing conditions first caused widespread cancellations. Over the following days, airlines cancelled around 3,500 scheduled flights at Schiphol on average hundreds per day as snow and ice compounded staffing and logistical issues. On 7 January, more than 700 flights were cancelled, again due to heavy snow and high wind, leaving long lines of stranded passengers and disrupted connections across Europe. A major factor behind the cancellation surge was the strain on de‑icing operations. KLM, responsible for most de‑icing services at Schiphol, reported that its supplies of glycol‑based de‑icing fluid were running critically low after days of continuous usage, prompting emergency procurement efforts from suppliers in Germany. Airport ground crews worked around the clock to clear runways and taxiways, but continuous snowfall and freezing precipitation created persistent bottlenecks that reduced the airport’s capacity to handle arriving and departing flights. Travelers faced lengthy delays and cancellations through the week, with many spending nights in airport terminals. Schiphol staff provided cots, blankets, food and beverages for those unable to depart. Although Thursday’s forecast suggests fewer cancellations than earlier in the week, weather warnings including Code Yellow alerts for freezing rain and sleet remained in place for the Netherlands, raising the possibility of renewed disruption, particularly if conditions deteriorate over the coming days.

Airlines

Schiphol Sees Fewer Cancellations After 3,500-Flight Cancellations During Winter Storm

Aviation Today News Desk / January 8, 2026

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport saw a sharp reduction in flight cancellations for Thursday as the prolonged winter storm that

London, United Kingdom: Thousands of passengers across Europe faced significant travel disruptions during the peak holiday travel period as nearly 1,000 flights were delayed and 20 cancelled at major airports, including hubs in France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Norway, Italy, and Germany. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, easyJet, KLM, and Turkish Airlines reported delays affecting both domestic and international services, disrupting schedules during the peak holiday travel period. Authorities and airline operators cited a combination of adverse winter weather, increased holiday traffic, and air traffic control constraints as key factors behind the widespread disruption. Meteorological services reported snow, fog, and high winds across northern and western Europe, which forced delays and limited airport capacity. The most affected airports included: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): 226 delayed flights, 6 cancellations London Heathrow (LHR): 96 delayed flights, 8 cancellations Istanbul Airport (IST): 200 delays, 3 cancellations Madrid Barajas (MAD): 99 delayed flights, no cancellations Rome Fiumicino (FCO): 84 delays, 2 cancellations Additional disruptions were reported in Munich, Oslo, Barcelona, and Manchester, where delays caused knock-on effects on connecting flights and ground transport. While outright flight cancellations remained comparatively low, delays affected airline rotations, crew schedules, and passenger connections. Affected travelers faced missed connections, long waiting times, and last-minute rebooking. A spokesperson for one major carrier noted: “We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers. Operations are being prioritized based on safety, and rebooking assistance is being provided at affected airports.” In addition to adverse winter weather and heavy passenger traffic, strike action by airport ground staff and airline cabin crews further exacerbated delays. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) cabin crew walkouts at hubs like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo, along with ground handling strikes in Spain and Portugal, contributed to longer check-in times, baggage delays, and operational bottlenecks. These industrial actions, combined with congested airspace and winter storms, created widespread disruption for passengers during one of Europe’s busiest travel periods. Europe’s aviation network has seen recurring disruptions throughout 2025, particularly during winter. Earlier reports indicated that nearly 4,000 flights were delayed and over 200 cancelled during December due to similar weather and traffic pressures. Analysts note that increased passenger demand post-pandemic and constrained air traffic control resources have created systemic vulnerabilities in the European flight network. Passengers affected by delays or cancellations in Europe may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004, except in cases caused by severe weather or air traffic control restrictions. Travelers are advised to check flight status regularly via airline apps or airport information screens, arrive at airports earlier than usual to accommodate potential delays, keep airline contact information handy for rebooking or compensation claims. Industry experts warn that air travel disruptions are likely to continue through the remainder of the holiday season, with weather volatility and high passenger volumes placing additional strain on airport operations and flight schedules. Travelers are advised to plan for potential delays and maintain flexibility in their travel plans.

Airports

Nearly 1,000 Flights Delayed Across Europe As Winter Travel Disruptions Worsen

Aviation Today News Desk / December 26, 2025

London, United Kingdom: Thousands of passengers across Europe faced significant travel disruptions during the peak holiday travel period as nearly

Europe

Europe Faces Major Holiday Travel Chaos As Strikes Hit Multiple Airports In Dec 2025

Aviation Today News Desk / December 11, 2025

Europe: European air travel is experiencing substantial disruption in 2025 as a series of labor strikes and industrial actions across

New Delhi, India: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is battling a major operational crisis after its on-time performance (OTP) plunged sharply to just 19.7% on December 3, triggering widespread flight delays and 200 flight cancellations across key airports and disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers nationwide. As per IndiGo's website, the airline operates well over 2,200 daily flights. Government data from Wednesday shows the airline’s on-time performance plunging to just 19.7%, a dramatic fall for a carrier long associated with punctuality. This implies that over 1,767 flights were delayed on that day alone. The turbulence continued and on Wednesday airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad collectively reported 200 flight cancellations by afternoon, in addition to hundreds of delayed departures and arrivals. The combined impact of delays and cancellations caused widespread disruption for domestic travellers, leaving passengers stranded, scrambling for alternatives, and highlighting the operational strain on the airline’s network. Official airport punctuality data on 3rd December shows a stark contrast between IndiGo and other domestic airlines: IndiGo: 19.7% Alliance Air: 68.0% Air India: 66.8% Akasa Air: 67.5% Air India Express: 69.9% SpiceJet: 68.70% The disruptions are evident from the airline’s on-time performance (OTP) data; merely 19.7% on Wednesday, 35% of the IndiGo flights operated on time on Tuesday, while the figure was around 50% on Monday, as per the Ministry of Civil Aviation. IndiGo’s OTP typically used to be upwards of 80% prior to the second phase of the new FDTL norms taking effect in November. Aviation industry officials attribute the crisis primarily to a severe shortage of pilots and cabin crew, which has worsened following the enforcement of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms. The updated rules require stricter rest periods, reduced night operations, and tighter rostering limits, significantly shrinking the pool of available crew for daily operations. In addition to crew constraints, airport congestion, winter fog disruptions in north India, and internal operational realignments further compounded the stress on the airline’s network, according to aviation sources. The disruption led to multiple delays stretching into several hours, and in many cases, short-notice cancellations, forcing passengers to look for alternative routes or remain stranded at airports. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints highlighting missed connections, lack of timely communication, and prolonged waiting at check-in counters and boarding gates. Several travellers reported delays exceeding four to six hours, while others were informed of cancellations only after reaching the airport. Business travellers and holiday passengers alike were impacted during what is traditionally a high-demand travel period. IndiGo acknowledged the disruption and attributed it to a combination of crew unavailability and operational challenges. In a public advisory, the airline urged passengers to check real-time flight status before heading to the airport and assured customers that rebooking or full refunds would be provided in accordance with company policy. The airline also stated that it is working on “calibrated schedule adjustments” to stabilise operations and gradually restore normalcy across the network. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that it is looking into the IndiGo flight disruptions and has asked the airline to submit a report detailing the reasons for the situation.

Airlines

IndiGo On-Time Performance Falls To 19.7% As Crew Shortage Triggers 200 Cancellations

Aviation Today News Desk / December 4, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is battling a major operational crisis after its on-time performance (OTP) plunged sharply

Airlines

FAA Ends Emergency Flight Cuts At 40 Major U.S. Airports After Shutdown Disruptions

Aviation Today News Desk / November 17, 2025

Washington, United States: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially lifted its emergency order requiring airlines to cut scheduled flights

New York, United States: Two United Airlines aircraft made contact while taxiing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Friday, October 31, amid worsening weather conditions and ongoing ground delays caused by staffing shortages. According to multiple eyewitness accounts and passenger reports, a United Airlines flight arriving from Orlando clipped the tail of another United aircraft that was stationary and preparing for departure to Houston. The collision occurred during a turn into the gate area, causing what passengers described as a “bump” during taxi. “We all felt a bump during taxi, but didn’t know it was another plane until the captain said it was,” one passenger told The New York Post. Both planes immediately halted operations and returned to the gate for inspection. United Airlines confirmed that no injuries were reported among the 328 passengers and 15 crew members aboard the two aircraft. Maintenance teams conducted post-incident assessments to determine the extent of any structural damage before clearing the affected area. The mishap unfolded as LaGuardia faced heavy congestion and high winds, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph. Flight tracking data showed average ground delays exceeding two hours, while some departures were held for more than five hours. Compounding the situation, the U.S. government shutdown has significantly reduced air-traffic control staffing levels, forcing airports to operate with limited resources. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently warned that prolonged shortages could lead to “a real risk of disaster” if the issue remains unresolved. Around 13,000 U.S. air traffic controllers are currently working without pay as the federal government shutdown drags on, raising serious concerns about aviation safety and operational reliability. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that staffing issues now account for over half of all flight delays, compared to roughly 5% under normal conditions. Controllers, already facing a nationwide shortfall of 3,500 personnel, are reportedly working extended 10-hour shifts and six-day weeks, leading to fatigue and morale problems. The Houston-bound United aircraft was already delayed by about 90 minutes prior to the collision, according to flight records. Ground handling staff at LaGuardia temporarily suspended operations on the affected taxiway while crews assessed the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation to determine whether procedural lapses, environmental factors, or limited ground visibility contributed to the contact between the two planes.

Incidents

Two United Airlines Jets Collide At LaGuardia Amid High Winds And Staffing Crisis

Aviation Today News Desk / November 1, 2025

New York, United States: Two United Airlines aircraft made contact while taxiing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Friday, October

Airlines

UK Airlines See Rising Delays, Punctuality Drops Compared to Pre-Pandemic Levels

Aviation Today News Desk / September 23, 2025

London, United Kingdom: Passengers flying with major UK airlines are experiencing longer delays than before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to

airport congestion

Republic Day Airspace Closures May Affect 600+ Flights At Delhi IGIA For 6 Days

Nearly 1,000 Flights Delayed Across Europe As Winter Travel Disruptions Worsen

Europe Faces Major Holiday Travel Chaos As Strikes Hit Multiple Airports In Dec 2025

IndiGo On-Time Performance Falls To 19.7% As Crew Shortage Triggers 200 Cancellations

FAA Ends Emergency Flight Cuts At 40 Major U.S. Airports After Shutdown Disruptions

Two United Airlines Jets Collide At LaGuardia Amid High Winds And Staffing Crisis

UK Airlines See Rising Delays, Punctuality Drops Compared to Pre-Pandemic Levels

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