Dense Fog Disrupts Delhi Airport: 61 Flights Cancelled, 5 Diverted

Severe weather in the national capital has caused major disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), with dense fog and extremely low visibility affecting flight operations on Monday morning. At least 61 flights were cancelled and five were diverted to alternate airports, while hundreds more experienced lengthy delays. Passengers were advised to check flight statuses before traveling to the airport. 

Impact on Flights and Operations

The sudden onset of heavy fog early Monday led to significant visibility reduction, forcing air traffic controllers to slow down or temporarily halt certain operations. In addition to the cancelled and diverted flights, over 250 flights were delayed, causing inconvenience for travellers across domestic and international routes.

Airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet issued advisories warning passengers about potential delays and urging them to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport. Airport authorities also advised passengers to allow extra travel time due to slower ground movements and possible rescheduling.

Weather Conditions Behind the Disruptions

The dense fog is part of a winter weather pattern that periodically engulfs Delhi and the wider NCR region. Cold temperatures combined with stagnant air and high pollution levels contribute to the formation of thick fog and smog, drastically reducing visibility. On Monday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached hazardous levels, further complicating conditions for travelers and residents alike.

Travel Advisory and Passenger Guidance

Airport officials and airlines stressed the importance of passengers checking their flight details in real time and reaching the terminal well ahead of scheduled departure times. Many carriers also offered rebooking options or refunds for affected flyers, depending on ticket conditions and airline policies.

Several travelers reported longer queues at check‑in counters and crowded lounges as flights were reshuffled throughout the morning. Passengers were reminded to stay updated via airline apps, airport screens, and official notifications.

Broader Transportation Disruptions

The dense fog didn’t just affect flights—other forms of transport, including road travel and railways in the region, have also been impacted in previous similar weather events, with slower traffic and delayed trains due to low visibility. While today’s airport disruption is focused on air travel, commuters were advised to exercise caution across all modes of travel as fog persists. (General weather patterns referenced) 

Reasons Behind Frequent Fog Issues in Delhi

Delhi’s location and winter climatic conditions often lead to frequent occurrences of dense fog, particularly between December and January. Cold air trapped near the surface, coupled with urban pollution and calm winds, creates perfect conditions for fog and smog to develop. These conditions can dramatically lower visibility to a few meters, making it difficult for pilots to land or take off safely without specialized equipment and procedures. This year’s fog pattern has once again demonstrated how winter weather can disrupt daily life and transport operations in the region.