Thirteen flights were delayed at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport as thick fog enveloped the airport, leading to poor visibility, to a senior airport official has said. Airport Director Pravat Ranjan Beuria confirmed that at least two arrivals and 11 departures were delayed due to dense of the fog. He explained that low visibility procedures (LVP) were implemented at the airport in the morning due to the reduced visibility.The ATC declared LVP when visibility drops below 800 metres, at which point ‘follow-me’ vehicles guide planes to their designated stands, a senior Airports Authority of India (AAI) official told PTI in Kolkata. LVP is enforced when the cloud ceiling falls below 200 feet. This procedure requires coordination between the airport operator, air traffic control (ATC), and pilots to ensure flight safety and reduce disruptions.These measures facilitate the safe landing, taxiing, and take-off of aircraft, using advanced navigation technology and ground lighting. Flight operations at NSCBI Airport were affected by dense fog for three consecutive days from January 23 to January 25, impacting airline schedules and causing inconvenience to passengers.
On January 23, 72 flights were affected, followed by 34 flights on January 24, and 53 flights on January 25.Also read: Air India’s ‘Namaste World’ global fare sale begins from Feb 2 to 6, airfares starting at ₹1,499Meanwhile, in Assam, the government has urged industrialists from Kolkata to invest in Northeastern state, emphasising the state’s infrastructure development, green energy initiatives, and diversified manufacturing sectors. The state government organised an investors’ roadshow in Kolkata, ahead of its business conclave ‘Advantage Assam 2.0: Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025’ next month.Addressing the investors, Ashok Singhal, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Irrigation highlighted Assam’s efforts in reviving infrastructure through transformative projects such as the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge and Jagiroad Electronics City.Also read: Budget 2025 will ensure India becomes a top tourism destination, say industry expertsHe noted that the state’s leadership in green energy with initiatives in solar power, green hydrogen and ammonia production.Assam is also fostering growth in manufacturing sectors including electronics, pharma, food processing, FMCG, and petrochemicals while positioning itself as a hub for IT and Industry 4.0 capabilities, the minister said.He highlighted Assam’s rich tourism potentials, citing its cultural heritage, wildlife sanctuaries, tea gardens, and opportunities in adventure and eco-tourism, and invited investors to explore these untapped opportunities.(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)First Published: Feb 2, 2025 4:48 PM IST
