Delhi Fog Chaos: Over 100 Flights Cancelled, Zero Visibility Disrupts Travel

Dense fog severely disrupted operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, leading to the cancellation of approximately 118 flights and the diversion of 16 others. Authorities, including the Airport Authority of India and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, have issued advisories urging passengers to contact their airlines and plan for significant delays. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert, warning of continued dense fog and near-zero visibility in the coming days. Concurrently, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, compounding the travel challenges for residents and passengers.

Key Points: Delhi Fog Disrupts Flights: Over 100 Cancelled, Zero Visibility

  • Over 100 flights cancelled
  • 16 flights diverted
  • Passengers urged to contact airlines
  • Ministry issues passenger norms advisory
  • IMD orange alert for dense fog
2 min read

60 arrivals, 58 departures flights cancelled at Delhi airport due to dense fog

Dense fog in Delhi causes over 100 flight cancellations, 16 diversions, and zero visibility. Passengers advised to check flight status and allow extra time.

"Due to prevailing fog conditions... visibility levels across Northern India have reduced at select airports. This may impact flight operations. - Airport Authority of India"

New Delhi, December 30

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport witnessed disruption in its flight operations due to dense fog prevailing in the city on Tuesday.

Approximately 60 arrivals and 58 departures were cancelled at the airport, and 16 flights bound for Delhi were diverted to other cities due to fog.

Earlier, the Airport Authority of India issued an advisory warning of potential flight delays at select airports in Northern India due to prevailing fog in the region.

In a post on X, the airport authority advised passengers to stay in close contact with their respective airlines through official communication channels for the latest flight updates. It further requested travellers to plan their journeys accordingly by allowing additional time for airport arrival and check-in procedures.

"Due to prevailing fog conditions today, 30 December 2025, visibility levels across Northern India have reduced at select airports. This may impact flight operations, including possible delays. Passengers are advised to stay in close contact with their respective airlines through official communication channels for the latest flight updates. Travellers should also plan their journeys accordingly by allowing additional time for airport arrival and check-in procedures," said AAI.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation also issued an advisory to airlines to comply with passenger facilitation norms to ensure that passengers are aware of their flight status.

"Amid prevailing fog and low-visibility conditions impacting flights in parts of Northern India, passengers are advised to proactively check flight status, remain in contact with their airlines and allow extra travel time. Airlines have been instructed to strictly comply with passenger facilitation norms, including timely flight information, meals for delayed passengers, rebooking or refunds in case of cancellations, no denial of boarding after timely check-in, baggage facilitation and prompt grievance redressal. The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains committed to passenger safety, convenience and well-being, and continues to closely monitor the situation," the ministry said.

Meanwhile, Delhi woke up to a heavy blanket of dense fog and toxic air, as visibility in key areas such as the Dwaraka Expressway, Dhaula Kuan, and Indra Gandhi International Airport plummeted to near-zero levels.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for dense fog, warning residents of sharply reduced visibility and challenging travel conditions for the next few days. In addition to the weather, Delhi's air quality remained in the very poor category, with an AQI of 384, prompting authorities to advise residents to limit outdoor activities.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The fog combined with the terrible AQI is a double whammy for Delhiites. Stay safe everyone, and if you're travelling, please keep checking your airline's app. Hope the authorities are providing proper facilities like meals and accommodation for stranded passengers as per the ministry's advisory.
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Aman W
Just landed from Mumbai after a 3-hour delay. Kudos to the pilots and ATC for managing in these conditions. The visibility was practically zero on approach. It's a tough job. Passengers need to have some patience too.
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Sarah B
Visiting family for New Year's and my flight is in the list of cancellations. It's frustrating, but I understand it's for safety. The airline rebooked me for tomorrow. Fingers crossed the fog lifts! 🤞 The key is to stay in touch with the airline directly, not third-party booking sites.
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Vikram M
This is why we need more investment in advanced landing systems like CAT IIIB at all major airports in North India. Relying on just Delhi to have it isn't enough when diversions happen. It's an annual problem that needs a long-term tech solution, not just annual advisories.
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Nisha Z
My heart goes out to all the passengers, especially elderly and those with small children. The airport can be a nightmare during such chaos. Hope the airlines are following the ministry's instructions on meals and refunds properly. Travel safe, everyone!

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