Dense Fog Grounds Flights: Delhi Airport Sees Major Disruptions and Cancellations

Dense fog severely disrupted air travel in Delhi on Wednesday. The Indira Gandhi International Airport warned of significant flight delays and cancellations. Visibility dropped to just a few meters in the early morning hours.Airport authorities confirmed flight operations were running under low-visibility CAT III protocols. Passengers faced major inconvenience as airlines scrambled to adjust schedules. This continues a pattern of severe fog-related disruptions this winter season.

Airlines Issue Advisories Amidst Chaotic Scenes

Major Indian carriers proactively warned travelers. IndiGo stated operations in Delhi and nearby Hindon were “slower than usual.” The airline said its teams were prioritizing safety and compliance with strict visibility rules.Air India issued a lengthy advisory about potential network-wide delays. It mentioned pre-emptive cancellations of some morning flights to avoid uncertain waits. SpiceJet also reported disruptions from Delhi and Ayodhya due to the poor conditions.Passengers were urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Airlines offered rebooking or refund options for affected travelers. According to reports from Mint and Hindustan Times, ground teams were actively assisting frustrated flyers.

No Immediate Respite as Fog Season Extends

These Wednesday disruptions followed a day of major travel chaos. Over 118 flights were cancelled on Tuesday due to similar dense fog. More than 200 flights were delayed and at least 18 were diverted from Delhi alone.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had already forecast this period. Officially, the fog season in the region runs from December 10 to February 10. Travelers can expect regular schedule interruptions until then.The impact cascades across the national aviation network. A delay in Delhi often means missed connections and logistical headaches nationwide. Airlines face operational challenges and financial pressures from these widespread cancellations.

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This latest fog episode highlights the recurring winter travel crisis in North India. Delhi flight delays and cancellations will likely persist for several more weeks. Passengers are advised to plan for significant buffer time and stay updated with their airline.

Thought you’d like to know

What are CAT III operations?

CAT III is a precision instrument landing system. It allows certain qualified aircraft and pilots to land in very low visibility conditions, sometimes as low as 50 meters. Not all planes or pilots are certified for it, which causes disruptions.

Which airlines were most affected?

All major carriers operating through Delhi reported impacts. This includes IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and SpiceJet. Both domestic and international flights faced delays and cancellations.

How long will this fog situation last?

The official fog season declared by aviation authorities lasts until February 10. Dense fog episodes are most common in December and January, particularly in the early morning and late evening hours.

What should passengers do if their flight is cancelled?

Contact your airline immediately. Most carriers offer the option to rebook on the next available flight or request a full refund. Avoid rushing to the airport without confirmed information.

Why does fog cause so many flight problems in Delhi?

Delhi’s geographic location and winter weather patterns make it prone to thick radiation fog. When visibility falls below safe minima, flight movements slow dramatically or stop, creating a backlog that takes hours to clear.