Delhi Fog Chaos: 128 Flights Cancelled, Visibility Plummets to 50 Metres

A severe blanket of dense fog paralyzed India’s busiest airport on Monday. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) faced massive disruptions. Over 128 flights were cancelled and dozens more delayed. The chaos began in the early morning hours of December 29th.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for “very dense fog.” Visibility at the airport dropped to a critical 50 metres. Major airlines like IndiGo and Air India scrambled to manage the fallout. Thousands of passengers were left stranded as a result.

IndiGo Hit Hardest Amid Widespread Airline Disruption

IndiGo, the country’s largest carrier, bore the brunt of the cancellations. The airline cancelled around 80 flights nationwide. About 40 of those were flights operating to and from Delhi. According to ANI, the airline’s website cited bad weather impacting multiple northern cities.Other airlines also reported significant issues. Air India launched a special ‘FogCare’ initiative for affected passengers. SpiceJet warned passengers of potential delays and cancellations. The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a public advisory and shared helpline numbers.

Broader Travel Nightmare Extends Beyond the Airport

The travel disruption was not confined to air travel. Railway services across northern India also suffered major delays. Low visibility made it unsafe for trains to maintain their schedules. This compounded the misery for commuters and holiday travelers.Air quality also plunged to hazardous levels alongside the fog. Delhi’s average AQI breached 400, falling into the ‘Severe’ category. This combination of dense fog and toxic smog created a dangerous public health environment. Authorities advised people to limit outdoor activities.

Delhi Fog Alert: Flight Chaos as Airport Issues Winter Weather Advisory

The Delhi fog crisis highlights the vulnerability of modern transport to extreme weather. While visibility improved later in the day, the event serves as a stark annual reminder of winter’s disruptive power in northern India.

A quick knowledge drop for you

How many flights were cancelled at Delhi airport?

A total of 128 flights were cancelled at IGI Airport. This included 64 arrivals and 64 departures, according to an airport statement reported by ANI.

What was the lowest visibility recorded?

Visibility at Delhi’s Palam observatory dropped to just 50 metres at its worst. This occurred in the early morning before conditions slowly improved.

Which airline cancelled the most flights?

IndiGo cancelled approximately 80 flights across its network. Around 40 of these cancellations were specifically for flights at Delhi airport.

Were train services also affected?

Yes. Multiple train services experienced significant delays due to the low visibility. The fog disrupted ground transportation across the region.

What is a CAT-III landing system?

It is a specialized instrument landing system that allows aircraft to land in very low visibility. The DGCA had urged airlines to use CAT-IIIB compliant aircraft, which can land with just 50 metres of visibility.

Did the air quality worsen as well?

Yes. Delhi’s average AQI entered the ‘Severe’ category, exceeding 400. This combined with the fog to create a toxic smog layer across the city.