Thick fog disrupted flight operations at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala, leaving over 200 passengers stranded on Wednesday. The dense fog reduced visibility significantly, forcing authorities to delay seven flights and cancel one. Passengers who had arrived early in the morning remained stuck in the terminal for hours, waiting for updates on their departures. The airport staff worked tirelessly to manage the growing crowd and provide updates, but frustration among travelers continued to mount.
Several airlines struggled to reschedule flights, as weather forecasts predicted no immediate improvement in visibility. Passengers expressed their disappointment, with many missing important commitments and connections. Some took to social media to share their grievances, highlighting the lack of clear communication from airlines regarding alternative arrangements. Airport officials assured that every effort was being made to resume normal operations as soon as possible, but the weather remained unpredictable.
Business travelers, students, and families were among those affected by the disruptions. Many passengers resorted to staying inside the terminal, while others sought accommodation in nearby hotels. Airline counters saw long queues as passengers demanded refunds or rescheduling options. Despite the chaos, the airport staff maintained order and continued to offer assistance wherever possible.
The foggy conditions at MBB Airport have been persistent over the past few days, with early morning flights particularly impacted. Pilots struggled to obtain clearance, and ground staff faced challenges coordinating take-offs and landings safely. The airport’s meteorological department monitored the situation closely, providing updates to airline operators and ensuring safety remained the top priority.
Travelers who had connecting flights from major cities like Kolkata and Guwahati faced additional hurdles. Many worried about missing their onward journeys and scrambled to make alternative arrangements. Airline representatives worked to accommodate affected passengers on later flights, but the uncertainty left many anxious and restless.
Officials at the airport confirmed that they were in touch with airline companies to minimize further inconvenience. Authorities also urged passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid unnecessary delays. Despite the challenges, flight crews and ground staff remained committed to ensuring passenger safety and comfort throughout the ordeal.
The dense fog is not unusual for this time of the year in Agartala, with similar disruptions reported in previous winters. The airport, which lacks advanced fog dispersal technology, often experiences delays when visibility drops below safe operational levels. Experts have suggested the installation of modern landing systems to mitigate such weather-related disruptions in the future.
Passengers stranded at the airport shared mixed reactions. Some remained patient and understanding, acknowledging that weather conditions were beyond control. Others, however, voiced their frustration over the prolonged wait and lack of timely information. Several elderly travelers and families with young children found it particularly difficult to cope with the long hours at the terminal.
Authorities at MBB Airport assured that normal flight operations would resume once visibility improved. In the meantime, passengers were advised to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest updates. Airlines also urged travelers to opt for flexible ticket options to accommodate potential weather-related delays.
As the day progressed, visibility showed slight improvement, allowing a few flights to take off with delays. However, uncertainty lingered over the remaining schedules, with many travelers still unsure about their plans. Some passengers, having no other choice, decided to cancel their trips altogether, while others remained hopeful for an eventual departure.
MBB Airport officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring passenger safety and smooth operations despite the weather challenges. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of contingency planning for both passengers and airlines during peak travel seasons.
