Dense fog combined with severe air pollution brought air traffic at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) to a near standstill on Monday, triggering widespread flight disruptions and passenger inconvenience. According to airport authorities, at least 118 flights were cancelled, 16 flights diverted, and over 200 flights delayed as visibility levels dropped sharply during the early morning hours, severely impacting runway operations.
Low Visibility Cripples Flight Schedules
The national capital witnessed a sharp deterioration in weather conditions overnight, with dense fog reducing visibility to critically low levels. Simultaneously, hazardous air quality further complicated aviation operations. Airport officials confirmed that despite the availability of advanced landing systems, fluctuating visibility conditions made it unsafe for several aircraft to take off or land.
Airlines operating at IGIA issued multiple advisories urging passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport. Long queues, rescheduling delays, and overcrowded terminals were reported throughout the morning as stranded passengers sought updates.
Impact Overview at IGI Airport
Flight disruptions reported as of December 30, 2025:
- Flights cancelled: 118
- Flights diverted: 16
- Flights delayed: 200+
- Primary cause: Dense fog and severe air pollution
- Worst-affected period: Early morning hours
Airport officials stated that operations remained slow even after visibility marginally improved, as accumulated delays continued to affect flight rotations.
Air Pollution Adds to Operational Challenges
Beyond fog, Delhi’s worsening air quality emerged as a significant concern. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the “severe” category, reducing horizontal visibility and increasing health risks for ground staff and passengers alike. Aviation experts noted that while fog is a seasonal challenge during winter, the combination of smog and pollution creates prolonged disruptions.
Pilots reported difficulty in maintaining consistent visual reference during landing approaches, forcing airlines to either delay operations or divert flights to nearby airports such as Jaipur and Lucknow.
Passenger Advisory and Airline Response
Airlines deployed additional ground staff to manage passenger movement and assist with rebooking. Many carriers offered flexible rescheduling options and fare waivers to affected travelers. However, passengers expressed frustration over prolonged waiting times and limited clarity on departure schedules.
Passengers were advised to:
- Monitor real-time flight updates
- Allow extra travel time to the airport
- Follow airline advisories for rescheduling options
Winter Disruptions Likely to Continue
Aviation and weather officials have warned that fog-related disruptions are likely to persist over the coming weeks as winter intensifies in North India. While IGIA is equipped with advanced Instrument Landing Systems, sustained low visibility and pollution levels can still overwhelm operational capacity.
