Fog Disrupts Major Indian Airport: 80 Flights Affected, Runway Closed

Key Takeaways

• 80 flights were affected on May 26, 2025, during fog at Mumbai Airport with three runway closures.
• LVTO protocol reduced take-off visibility minimum from 550 to 400 meters, enabling 50 departures during fog.
• Average delays were 45 minutes; landings still require 550-meter visibility, limiting arrival operations.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s Low Visibility Take-Off Protocol: An Analytical Review of the May 2025 Fog Disruption in Mumbai

Purpose and Scope

This analysis examines the operational, regulatory, and practical impacts of the new Low Visibility Take-Off (LVTO) protocol introduced at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai during a major weather disruption on May 26, 2025. The focus is on how this protocol affected flight operations, the regulatory background, the experience of airlines and passengers, and the broader implications for Indian aviation. The analysis draws on official data, regulatory updates, and expert perspectives to provide a comprehensive, objective review for stakeholders including travelers, airlines, airport operators, and policy makers.

Methodology

The content is based on verified reports from the May 26, 2025 incident, official statements from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and recent regulatory changes. Quantitative data such as flight delays, runway closures, and visibility thresholds are presented alongside qualitative insights from aviation experts and stakeholders. The analysis also compares recent developments at Mumbai with ongoing upgrades at other major Indian airports, especially Delhi, to identify trends and future directions. All technical terms are explained in simple language for accessibility.

Key Findings

• 80 flights (arrivals and departures) were affected at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport during the morning peak hours due to heavy rain and dense fog.
• The runway was shut three times for 5–10 minutes each as visibility dropped below safe landing levels.
• The LVTO protocol was used for the first time, lowering the minimum visibility for take-offs from 550 meters to 400 meters.
• 50 departures and 28 landings were managed during the three-hour window when LVTO was active.
• Average delays reached 45 minutes, with some flights diverted.
• The protocol reduced departure delays but did not change landing restrictions, which remain at a 550-meter visibility minimum.
• The DGCA continues to refine low-visibility rules, with further upgrades planned at other airports.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

To help readers understand the scale and impact of the disruption, the following table summarizes the key facts from the May 26, 2025 event:

Visual Description:
Imagine the main runway at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, with thick fog rolling in and reducing visibility to just a few hundred meters. Electronic signs and runway lights are barely visible through the mist. On the ground, planes line up for departure, while others circle in the sky or divert to other airports. Airport staff and air traffic controllers work closely, monitoring visibility readings and coordinating departures under the new LVTO protocol.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Historical Context:
Mumbai and Delhi airports have long faced severe disruptions during winter fog and monsoon rains. In previous years, hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled each season, causing widespread inconvenience for travelers and financial losses for airlines.

Regulatory Evolution:
– In August 2022, the DGCA revised its rules, allowing scheduled airlines to conduct LVTO with visibility as low as 75 meters, but only with special approval.
– The standard operational threshold at Mumbai is now set at 400 meters for take-offs under LVTO, while landings still require 550 meters.
– Delhi Airport is upgrading its Instrument Landing System (ILS) to CAT III-B standards, which will allow landings in visibility as low as 200 meters. This upgrade will require the closure of Runway 28/10 from June 15 to mid-September 2025, affecting about 100 flights daily.

Recent Trends:
– The successful use of LVTO at Mumbai is expected to encourage other major airports in India to adopt similar protocols.
– The DGCA is likely to continue lowering operational minima and expanding approvals as technology and training improve.

Step-by-Step Procedures: How LVTO Works at Mumbai

1. Visibility Monitoring:
   Air Traffic Control (ATC) uses special equipment called Runway Visual Range (RVR) meters to measure how far ahead pilots can see on the runway.

2. Thresholds:

   • If visibility drops below 550 meters but stays above 400 meters, departures can continue under the LVTO protocol.
   • Landings are not allowed unless visibility is at least 550 meters.
3. ATC Clearance:
   • Pilots must receive special clearance from ATC to take off under LVTO.
   • All procedures follow DGCA-approved safety steps.
4. Operational Coordination:
   • Airlines and ground staff are informed about the change.
   • Departure schedules are adjusted to make the most of the available window.
5. Continuous Review:
   • If visibility drops below 400 meters, all departures are stopped until it improves.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

Operational Impact:
The LVTO protocol allowed Mumbai airport to keep departures moving during the fog event, reducing the number of delayed flights and preventing a complete shutdown. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this approach aligns Mumbai’s operational standards with those at leading international airports, where similar protocols are used to maintain flight schedules during poor weather.

Economic and Passenger Effects:
– Reduced Delays: The main benefit is fewer departure delays, which helps airlines avoid cascading disruptions throughout the day.
– Landing Limitations: Since landings still require higher visibility, some flights were diverted or delayed, and passengers faced average delays of 45 minutes.
– Passenger Experience: Travelers are advised to check flight status and arrive early during bad weather, as conditions can change quickly.

Policy and Regulatory Implications:
– The DGCA’s approval of LVTO at Mumbai shows a willingness to adopt international best practices and respond to local weather challenges.
– The ongoing upgrades at Delhi Airport and continued regulatory updates suggest a trend toward greater resilience in India’s aviation sector.

Limitations of the Current Approach

• Landing Restrictions: The LVTO protocol only helps with departures. Landings still require higher visibility, so arrivals can be delayed or diverted during fog.
• Infrastructure Needs: Not all airports have the equipment or trained staff needed to implement LVTO or advanced landing systems.
• Passenger Communication: Despite improvements, passengers may still face uncertainty and inconvenience during severe weather events.

Expert Analysis and Multiple Perspectives

Aviation Experts:
Experts see the LVTO protocol as a major step forward for Indian airports. It brings Mumbai closer to international standards and helps reduce the economic and logistical problems caused by weather. However, they note that further progress is needed, especially in improving landing capabilities and upgrading airport infrastructure.

Airlines:
Airlines welcome the reduction in departure delays but remain concerned about the impact of landing restrictions. Diversions and extended delays still affect their schedules and increase costs.

Passengers:
For travelers, the new protocol means better chances of departing on time during foggy or rainy weather. However, they should still be prepared for possible delays, especially for arriving flights.

Comparative Analysis: Mumbai vs. Delhi

• Mumbai:
  • First major Indian airport to implement LVTO at a 400-meter threshold.
  • Focused on reducing departure delays during low visibility.
  • Still limited by landing requirements.
• Delhi:
  • Currently upgrading to CAT III-B ILS, which will allow landings in visibility as low as 200 meters.
  • Runway 28/10 will be closed for several months for this upgrade, affecting about 100 flights daily.
  • Once complete, Delhi will have some of the most advanced low-visibility landing capabilities in India.

Trends and Future Outlook

• Wider Adoption:
  The success of LVTO at Mumbai is likely to lead to its use at other airports, especially those that often face fog or heavy rain.

• Infrastructure Upgrades:
  More airports are expected to invest in better equipment and training to handle low-visibility operations.

• Regulatory Evolution:
  The DGCA is expected to keep updating its rules as technology improves, making it easier for airports and airlines to operate safely in all weather.

Practical Guidance for Stakeholders

• Passengers:
  • Always check your flight status before leaving for the airport, especially during the monsoon or winter fog season.
  • Arrive early, as security and boarding may take longer during disruptions.
  • Stay in touch with your airline for updates on delays or diversions.
• Airlines:
  • Work closely with airport authorities and ATC to adjust schedules quickly during low-visibility events.
  • Keep passengers informed and provide support during delays.
• Airport Operators:
  • Invest in advanced visibility monitoring and landing systems.
  • Train staff to handle new protocols and communicate clearly with airlines and passengers.

Official Resources and Further Information

For the latest updates on flight operations, weather disruptions, and regulatory changes, visit the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) official website. For airport-specific information, refer to the official websites of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Conclusion

The introduction of the Low Visibility Take-Off protocol at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai represents a significant improvement in India’s ability to manage weather-related flight disruptions. By lowering the minimum visibility required for take-offs, the airport was able to reduce departure delays and keep more flights on schedule during the May 2025 fog event. However, landing restrictions remain a challenge, and passengers should still expect possible delays during severe weather. Ongoing upgrades at Delhi and other airports, along with continued regulatory updates from the DGCA, are expected to further strengthen India’s aviation sector against future disruptions. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes mark a positive trend toward safer, more reliable air travel in India, benefiting travelers, airlines, and the broader economy.

Limitations and Areas for Improvement

While the LVTO protocol is a step forward, its benefits are limited to departures. To fully address weather-related disruptions, further investment in landing systems and broader adoption of advanced protocols are needed. Communication with passengers and coordination among stakeholders will remain key to minimizing inconvenience during future events.

Actionable Takeaways

• Travelers: Monitor flight status and plan for possible delays during fog or heavy rain.
• Airlines: Prepare for both departure and arrival disruptions; communicate clearly with passengers.
• Airport Authorities: Continue investing in technology and training to handle low-visibility conditions.
• Policy Makers: Support regulatory updates and infrastructure improvements to enhance all-weather operations.

For more information on low-visibility flight operations and regulatory requirements, visit the DGCA official website.

Learn Today

Low Visibility Take-Off (LVTO) → Procedure allowing aircraft to depart with minimum runway visibility reduced from 550 to 400 meters.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) → India’s regulatory authority overseeing aviation safety and operational standards including LVTO protocols.
Runway Visual Range (RVR) → The measured distance a pilot can see along the runway, crucial for low visibility operations.
Instrument Landing System (ILS) → Radio navigation system helping pilots land safely in limited visibility, with categories indicating capability levels.
CAT III-B ILS → A high-precision ILS category allowing landings in visibility as low as 200 meters, under upgrade at Delhi Airport.

This Article in a Nutshell

Mumbai Airport’s May 2025 fog triggered the first LVTO use, reducing delays by lowering take-off visibility to 400 meters. Despite landing limits, this protocol kept flights moving, marking a major step in India’s aviation resilience against severe weather disruptions.
— By VisaVerge.com