India Best Places
Table of Contents
Over the past few days, dense fog in Delhi has turned routine air travel into a major challenge, causing widespread cancellations and uncertainty for passengers.
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) witnessed major disruption in flight operations after dense fog covered the national capital, severely impacting visibility and air traffic movement. The situation led to widespread inconvenience for passengers, with 228 flights cancelled and 5 flights diverted, forcing airlines to issue urgent travel advisories.
This incident once again highlights how winter fog continues to pose a challenge to air travel in North India, especially during the peak holiday and travel season.
What Happened at Delhi Airport?
Early morning dense fog reduced visibility at IGI Airport to critically low levels, making safe landing and take-off operations extremely difficult. As a precautionary safety measure, airlines cancelled a large number of flights, while some incoming flights were diverted to nearby airports.
According to airport sources:
- 131 departing flights were cancelled
- 97 arriving flights were cancelled
- 5 flights were diverted to alternate airports
The disruption affected both domestic and international operations, resulting in long queues, confusion, and delays within airport terminals.
Why Was the Dense Fog So Severe?
Delhi and the NCR region have been experiencing intense winter conditions, including:
- Low temperatures
- High moisture levels
- Calm wind conditions
These factors combined to form thick, persistent fog, especially during early morning hours. Visibility levels dropped below safe operational limits for aircraft not equipped with advanced CAT-III landing systems.
Such weather conditions are common in December and January, but continue to pose serious challenges for airport operations.
Airlines Issue Travel Advisory
Major airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Akasa Air, issued travel advisories urging passengers to remain cautious.
Airlines advised travelers to:
- Check flight status before leaving for the airport
- Stay in touch with airlines via official websites or apps
- Allow extra travel time
- Be prepared for delays, cancellations, or rescheduling
Some airlines also offered flexible rebooking options or refunds to affected passengers, depending on fare rules.
Passenger Experience at the Airport
Passengers at IGI Airport faced:
- Long waiting hours
- Sudden flight cancellations
- Confusion regarding rebooking and baggage
- Crowded terminals during early morning hours
Several travelers took to social media to express frustration, sharing images of packed terminals and delayed announcements. While airport authorities worked to manage the situation, the sheer volume of disruptions made it a stressful experience for many.
Impact on Holiday and Business Travel
The disruption came at a time when:
- Holiday travel is increasing
- Business travel remains high
- International connections depend heavily on the Delhi airport
Many passengers missed connecting flights, hotel bookings, and important meetings. Travel planners and tour operators were also affected due to last-minute itinerary changes.
Airport Authority’s Response
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) confirmed that:
- Runway operations were adjusted based on visibility conditions
- CAT-III compliant runways were prioritised
- Coordination with airlines and air traffic control was continuous
Authorities emphasized that passenger safety remains the top priority, even if it leads to operational delays or cancellations.
What Travelers Should Do During Dense Fog Season
If you are travelling to or from Delhi during the winter months, keep these tips in mind:
- Prefer flights scheduled after mid-morning when visibility improves
- Choose airlines with better fog-operation infrastructure
- Keep buffer time for connections
- Track weather forecasts a day before travel
- Always carry essentials in hand baggage in case of delays
Being prepared can significantly reduce stress during such weather-related disruptions.
What Lies Ahead?
Weather experts suggest that foggy conditions may continue over the next few days as winter intensifies in North India. Passengers planning travel via Delhi airport should stay alert and flexible with their plans.
As winter progresses, such disruptions are likely to remain a challenge unless weather conditions improve.
Final Word from India Best Places
Travel disruptions due to dense fog are unavoidable during North Indian winters, but staying informed can make a big difference. At India Best Places, we aim to keep travelers updated with real, practical news that helps them plan better and travel smarter.
Stay tuned for more travel updates, advisories, and destination news.