Delhi Airport Faces Major Disruptions from Dense Fog
As participants in Amazon Associates and other programs, we earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you. For more details, see our Affiliate Disclosure.
Dense fog engulfs northern India, severely hampering visibility at major airports. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport records the highest impact with widespread flight cancellations and diversions. Operations continue under challenging low visibility procedures.
At least 128 flights face cancellation at Delhi airport. Eight arrivals divert to alternate airports. Nearly 200 services experience delays due to runway visibility dropping below 200 meters in several instances.
IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, cancels 80 flights network-wide. Half originate from or arrive at Delhi. Affected routes include Mumbai, Bengaluru, Cochin, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Dehradun, Indore, Patna, and Bhopal.
Delhi airport implements Category III instrument landing systems for equipped runways. Ground staff conduct de-icing procedures where necessary. Runway visibility improves gradually, but residual effects linger into the day.
The India Meteorological Department forecasts persistent dense fog across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Uttar Pradesh through December 31. Morning and night visibility falls below 50 meters in affected areas. Cold wave conditions accompany the fog blanket.
Passengers receive advisories to check flight status via airline apps or websites. Extra time allocation recommended for airport access amid highway fog warnings. Rebooking and refund options activate for disrupted itineraries.
This event aligns with seasonal winter fog patterns in the Indo-Gangetic plains. Peak post-holiday travel demand exacerbates the impact on schedules. Airports coordinate closely with meteorological updates for real-time adjustments.
Northern hubs bear the primary burden of cancellations. Southern routes remain largely unaffected. Full restoration expects once visibility thresholds stabilize.
Travelers consider alternate southern gateways for rerouting where feasible. Safety measures prioritize visibility compliance over on-time performance. Authorities monitor air quality factors compounding the fog density.
