New Delhi, India – December 18:
Dense fog and extremely poor visibility conditions have caused massive disruption to air travel across India, leading to widespread flight cancellations and delays at major airports. The situation has been particularly challenging for passengers flying with IndiGo, which has reported the highest number of affected services so far. Authorities have advised travelers to check flight status regularly before heading to airports.
The winter season has once again brought severe fog conditions across large parts of North India. Early morning hours witnessed visibility dropping to near zero, especially in Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. As a result, air traffic operations were heavily impacted at key aviation hubs including Indira Gandhi International Airport, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Jaipur International Airport, and Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport.
According to airport officials, low visibility procedures (LVP) were activated during the early hours, but persistent fog conditions continued to restrict take-offs and landings.
Among all domestic carriers, IndiGo has been the most affected airline, with multiple flights either delayed or cancelled due to operational constraints. The airline issued multiple travel advisories on its official channels, warning passengers about the impact of weather conditions on schedules.
In a statement, IndiGo said that dense fog and air traffic congestion were affecting flight movements across North Indian airports and assured passengers that efforts were being made to minimize inconvenience while prioritizing safety.
Other airlines including Air India, Vistara, and Akasa Air also reported delays, though on a comparatively smaller scale.
The fog-related disruption left thousands of passengers stranded at airports, many facing missed connections and long waiting hours. Several travelers took to social media to express frustration over delayed updates, long queues, and rescheduled flights.
Passengers traveling on early morning flights were the worst affected, as visibility levels remained critically low between 3:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Airport lounges and waiting areas were overcrowded as flights were rescheduled throughout the day.
Dense fog significantly reduces runway visibility, making it unsafe for aircraft to take off or land unless they are equipped with CAT-III Instrument Landing System (ILS). Not all pilots and aircraft are certified for CAT-III operations, which often results in flight cancellations even when airports are technically operational.
Despite IGI Airport Delhi being equipped with CAT-III ILS on multiple runways, air traffic congestion and cascading delays further complicate operations during foggy conditions.
Aviation authorities and airlines have urged passengers to check flight status online before leaving for the airport. Travelers are also advised to:
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Opt for mid-day or afternoon flights during winter months
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Enable SMS and email alerts from airlines
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Arrive at airports well in advance
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Keep alternative travel plans ready in case of cancellations
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed that coordination with airlines and air traffic control is ongoing to manage the situation efficiently.
According to meteorological experts, foggy conditions are expected to continue for the next few days, especially during early morning hours. Cold winds, low temperatures, and high moisture levels are contributing to the formation of thick fog across northern plains.
This seasonal weather phenomenon typically peaks between mid-December and January, making flight disruptions a recurring challenge every winter.
Both domestic and international flights were affected, with several international departures rescheduled to later slots. Passengers traveling to destinations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe experienced knock-on delays due to late arrivals of inbound aircraft.
Cargo operations were also impacted, causing minor delays in logistics and supply chains.
Aviation experts recommend that passengers traveling during winter months should monitor weather updates closely and maintain flexibility in their travel schedules. Airlines are offering free rescheduling or refunds in many cases, depending on fare conditions.
Passengers are encouraged to contact airline customer support or use official mobile apps for real-time updates rather than relying on third-party sources.
Dense fog and poor visibility have once again highlighted the fragility of air travel during Indian winters. With IndiGo and other airlines facing widespread disruptions, passengers are advised to remain alert, plan ahead, and stay informed. While safety remains the top priority, improved coordination and passenger communication can help reduce inconvenience during such weather-related disruptions.
As winter intensifies, fog-induced flight delays and cancellations may remain a recurring issue, making preparedness essential for travelers across the country.
