74 flights delayed, 5 diverted as fog envelops Bengaluru airport

Five flights were diverted to Chennai and 74 took off late as dense fog affected visibility early on Tuesday morning.

This is the first time so many flights were disrupted this winter, an official at the  Kempegowda International Airport said.

According to the India Meteorological Department, visibility dropped to 150 metres, making it difficult for aircraft to take off and land.

Five international flights were diverted to Chennai. Cars and taxis lined up to pick up and drop passengers, causing a traffic jam.

Passengers had to wait at least an additional hour to board their flights.

Fog is common during winter, and poor visibility in the early morning hours may continue for two or three days, according to Sunder M Metri, director in charge, IMD
Bengaluru.