Dense Fog Triggers Major Flight Disruptions in Delhi; Airlines and Airport Issue Urgent Advisories

Delhi and the surrounding NCR region woke up to a thick blanket of winter fog on Friday, sharply reducing visibility and causing widespread disruption to air travel. Dense early-morning fog forced authorities at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) to issue travel advisories urging passengers to check the status of their flights before setting out, as reduced visibility impacted flight operations under low-visibility procedures.

Major carriers including IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet alerted travellers about potential schedule changes, delays and cancellations. With visibility dipping to just a few dozen metres in parts of the city, the airport activated CAT III (Category III) landing systems designed for poor weather conditions — a necessary but slower process that can delay aircraft movement on runways.

By midday, airlines cancelled at least 152 flights, including arrivals and departures, while dense fog delayed more than 200 others. Airlines are advising travellers to allow extra time for check-in and airport transfers amid slower operations both on the ground and in the air.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for dense fog in the region, warning that conditions may continue through the morning and into the day. Commuters on the roads are also facing challenges due to low visibility, prompting authorities to appeal for extra caution on highways and city streets.

Passengers are being urged to stay updated on flight information through official airline channels and to prepare for ongoing weather-related disruptions throughout the winter season.