Dense winter fog disrupted flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Tuesday, forcing widespread cancellations, diversions and delays at one of India’s busiest aviation hubs. At least 118 flights were cancelled, 16 diverted and over 130 delayed, underlining how seasonal weather events continue to challenge urban transport systems during peak travel periods.
Airport officials said poor visibility conditions led to the cancellation of 60 arriving and 58 departing flights over the course of the morning. Data from flight tracking platforms indicated average departure delays of nearly half an hour, with ripple effects felt across domestic and international networks. IGIA typically handles close to 1,300 flight movements daily, making even minor disruptions significant for passengers and airlines alike. Despite the disruptions, airport operators maintained that overall operations were continuing. An official communication from the airport operator noted that aircraft equipped for CAT III operations which allow landings in very low visibility were largely unaffected, while non-compliant flights faced delays or cancellations. CAT III capability has become increasingly critical for winter operations in northern India, where fog episodes have grown more frequent and intense.
The civil aviation ministry responded by directing airlines to strictly follow passenger facilitation norms during weather-related disruptions. These include timely updates on flight status, provision of meals during extended delays, rebooking or refunds in case of cancellations, and efficient baggage handling. Aviation officials said such measures are essential to maintaining passenger trust during unavoidable operational challenges. The Airport Authority of India also issued advisories warning of possible delays at multiple airports across northern India. Travellers were urged to stay in contact with airlines through official channels and allow additional time for airport procedures, particularly during early morning and late-night departures when fog is most severe.
Urban transport experts note that repeated fog-related disruptions point to the need for greater resilience in aviation infrastructure. “Investment in advanced landing systems, better schedule planning, and multimodal connectivity can reduce the wider economic and social impact of such events,” an industry analyst said. Strengthening rail and intercity bus alternatives during winter months could also ease pressure on air travel while supporting lower-emission mobility. As climate variability intensifies, seasonal disruptions are becoming a structural challenge rather than an exception. Addressing them through technology upgrades, coordinated planning, and passenger-focused policies will be crucial for ensuring that large urban airports like Delhi remain reliable, inclusive, and sustainable gateways for millions of travellers.
Delhi Dense Fog Disrupts IGI As 118 Flights Cancelled 16 Diverted Operations
