Determinants and Impact of Fog, Mist and Haze phenomena: The case of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad

Abstract

The study aims to analyze the three phenomena - fog, mist, and haze over nine years and their impact on air traffic at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. Longer duration events of deteriorated visibility are analysed using surface in-situ data from the airport routine meteorological observations, satellite imageries, backward trajectories, reanalysed data and aerological diagrams. The climatological data predominantly explained long-lasting fog events. The stable layers of the atmosphere, availability of moisture in the planetary boundary layer, light winds, divergence (downward motion/subsidence), and radiational cooling supported the formation of fog and its sustenance. Low visibility disrupted air traffic at the study site by way of flight delays and consequential economic loss.