Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Winter Fog Experiment Reduces Flight Disruptions in India
Scientists have been studying winter fog in North India for 10 years with the WiFEX project.
They've created a model that can predict fog, helping airlines avoid flight problems.
This model tells them when fog will happen and how strong it will be, giving them 18 hours' warning.
This has reduced flight delays.
Now, the project is expanding to more airports in the North and Northeast of India, as well as studying mountain fog in the Northeast to improve safety and preparedness during the winter fog season.
WiFEX, a 10-year experiment, studies North India's winter fog.
A prediction model forecasts fog events 18 hours in advance.
Accurate forecasts have reduced flight diversions and cancellations.
WiFEX-II will expand to other North and North-East Indian airports.
The project is led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
- Who
- The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) leads the project.
- What
- The Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX) developed a fog prediction model.
- When
- The experiment has run for 10 years.
- Where
- North and North-East India
- Why
- To help airlines manage the impact of dense winter fog.
Airlines
N/A
Operational Efficiency
Airlines
Improved flight operations by avoiding disruptions due to accurate fog predictions.
N/A
N/A
- Project Name
- Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX)
- Location
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), New Delhi and other North Indian airports
- Objective
- Develop a reliable fog prediction model
- Prediction Time
- At least 18 hours in advance
- Benefits
- Reduced flight diversions and cancellations
- Lead Organization
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)