Dense fog has descended upon Delhi, causing significant disruption to flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The adverse weather conditions have prompted airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, to issue travel advisories, cautioning passengers about potential delays and cancellations.
The airport is currently operating under CAT III conditions, which are procedures that allow aircraft to land in extremely low visibility. However, even with these measures in place, the dense fog has reduced visibility to levels that make take-offs and landings challenging. The runway visual range is reportedly below 300 meters, further complicating pilot navigation.
Passengers are facing considerable inconvenience as a result of the disruptions. Many flights have been delayed, and some have been canceled, leaving travelers stranded at the airport. Delhi Airport has issued a passenger advisory, urging individuals to check their flight status with their respective airlines before heading to the airport.
IndiGo has released a travel advisory, alerting passengers to the possibility of disruptions to flight schedules due to the persistent fog and low visibility in Delhi and at Hindon Airport. The airline stated that flight operations might be slower than usual as conditions evolve and that ground teams are prioritizing safety and strict compliance with visibility requirements. IndiGo has also advised passengers to monitor their flight status online and utilize the rebooking or refund options if their journey is affected. On December 28, 2025, IndiGo had already canceled 13 flights due to adverse weather conditions across several airports.
Air India has also issued a travel advisory, warning of potential impacts on flight operations due to dense fog and low visibility in northern India, including Delhi. The airline has launched its "FogCare" initiative, providing advance alerts to passengers booked on flights likely to be affected by fog. Air India is offering passengers the option to change their flights without extra charges or seek a full refund without penalty. Air India advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow extra time for travel, as winter fog conditions often intensify during early morning hours.
SpiceJet has also issued an advisory stating that adverse weather conditions in Delhi could impact departures, arrivals, and consequential flights. The airline advised passengers to regularly check their flight status on its official website before heading to the airport.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi, forecasting dense fog and poor visibility. The aviation regulator DGCA has designated December 10 to February 10 as the official fog window for this winter, requiring airlines to adhere to special low-visibility operating norms. These norms include rostering pilots trained for low-visibility operations and deploying aircraft equipped to operate in such conditions.
The disruptions at Delhi's IGI Airport highlight the challenges posed by winter fog to air travel in the region. Passengers are advised to stay informed about the latest updates from their airlines and the airport authorities and to plan their journeys accordingly.
