Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were heavily disrupted on Monday morning as dense, zero-visibility fog blanketed the national capital. Close to 200 flights faced delays, while a handful were cancelled, prompting authorities to activate low-visibility operating procedures.
Data from FlightRadar24 around 8:45 am showed that at least 144 departing flights and 51 arriving flights were delayed, with six services cancelled outright. Aircraft movements were carried out using CAT III protocols, which enable landings in extremely poor visibility. Passengers were advised to stay alert for schedule changes and confirm flight details before leaving for the airport.
In a statement, Delhi airport officials said flights were operating under CAT III conditions due to heavy fog, which could lead to delays or cancellations. They added that ground staff were assisting travellers on-site and urged passengers to coordinate with their respective airlines for real-time updates.
Airlines also issued advisories as visibility fluctuated throughout the morning. IndiGo Airlines warned that foggy conditions had slowed operations at both Delhi and Hindon airports, leading to adjustments in schedules. The carrier said services would gradually return to normal once weather conditions improved and thanked passengers for their patience.
Air India had earlier cautioned travellers on Sunday evening that delays were likely due to fog and advised those flying on Monday to check their flight status in advance and plan for extra travel time. SpiceJet also echoed similar advice, asking passengers to allow additional time as poor visibility was expected to affect normal operations.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department has forecast dense to very dense fog across large parts of north India in the coming days. Night and early morning fog is likely to persist over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and western Uttar Pradesh until December 31, while eastern Uttar Pradesh may see reduced visibility until January 1, with gradual improvement thereafter.
For Delhi, the weather department has issued an orange alert for December 29. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 22 degrees Celsius, while the minimum could drop to about 7 degrees Celsius.
