Millions of residents and travellers in the Delhi‑National Capital Region (NCR) faced significant travel disruptions on Wednesday as dense fog combined with hazardous air quality levels threw air, rail, and road transportation into disarray on New Year’s Eve. The adverse weather and pollution conditions severely curtailed visibility, prompting mass flight cancellations, major commuter delays, and widespread advisories from authorities.
Thick Fog Reduces Visibility to Near Zero
In the early hours of Wednesday, a blanket of dense fog shrouded Delhi and adjoining cities, reducing visibility to as low as 50 meters in critical areas such as Safdarjung and Palam. Under these conditions, daily commuters encountered slow-moving traffic and dangerous travel conditions, while transport authorities warned of continued disruption throughout the day.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) maintained a yellow fog alert through the morning, cautioning that unfavourable atmospheric conditions would likely sustain the low visibility into the evening. These conditions are often amplified by stagnant winds and an ongoing cold wave across northern India.
Flight Operations Paralyzed at IGI Airport
The region’s main aviation hub, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), experienced severe operational challenges as near-zero visibility prompted cautious air traffic control protocols and multiple schedule disruptions:
- 🚫 148 flights cancelled on New Year’s Eve, affecting both domestic and international routes.
- ✈️ Over 150 flights delayed or rescheduled due to dense fog conditions.
- ⚠️ Airlines including IndiGo and SpiceJet issued urgent travel advisories, urging passengers to verify flight status and prepare for further changes as weather evolves.
Airport authorities reported that low visibility forced operations under Category‑III Instrument Landing System rules, limiting the number of flights that could safely land or depart. Tens of thousands of passengers were left adjusting plans on short notice, intensifying travel frustrations on one of the year’s busiest days.
Hazardous Air Quality Exacerbates Health & Travel Stress
While visibility plunged, air pollution levels remained dangerously high, compounding the region’s travel woes. The Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently hovered in the very poor to severe category across numerous monitoring stations, with hotspots such as Anand Vihar breaching more hazardous levels.
Poor air quality not only increased respiratory health risks for residents and visitors but also intensified visibility issues for drivers, train operators, and traffic authorities, further slowing vital transport networks during peak holiday travel.
Rail and Road Travel Hit Amid Weather Alerts
In addition to aviation disruptions, several long-distance and local train services reported delays attributed to the foggy conditions. Visibility constraints meant slower running speeds on key railway lines, extending journey times for holiday travellers.
Road commuters across the Delhi‑Gurugram‑Noida corridor experienced significant slowdowns as fog persisted through dawn, with traffic authorities advising the use of headlights, reduced speeds, and extreme caution.
Looking Ahead: Warnings & Relief Forecasts
Meteorologists predict that the dense fog and poor air quality conditions may linger into early January 2026, influenced by a combination of cold winds and stagnant atmospheric layers. Residents have been urged to monitor official weather updates and heed health advisories, especially those with respiratory conditions.
With temperature fluctuations likely and air quality oscillating between very poor and severe categories in the coming days, authorities emphasise preparedness and travel caution as the New Year holiday gives way to routine journeys.
Key Impact Summary
| Issue | Immediate Effect |
|---|---|
| Dense Fog | Near-zero visibility; flight and rail delays |
| Flight Cancellations | ~148 flights grounded or rescheduled |
| Air Quality | AQI in “very poor” to “severe” range |
| Road Traffic | Slow commutes & safety warnings |
