Dense winter fog brought air traffic at Delhi’s main airport under strain on Thursday, delaying at least 68 flights and disrupting travel plans across northern India. Low visibility conditions led to operational restrictions, prompting airlines and airport authorities to issue advisories and ask passengers to closely monitor flight schedules. The episode underscores how seasonal weather continues to test the resilience of India’s aviation infrastructure and urban mobility systems.Â
Flight tracking data showed that delays affected both inbound and outbound services, with departures bearing the brunt of the disruption. Aviation officials attributed the situation to persistent fog across the Indo-Gangetic plains, a recurring winter phenomenon that sharply reduces runway visibility during early morning hours. While flight operations continued, spacing between aircraft had to be increased, slowing movement across the network. Airlines operating from Delhi cautioned passengers that delays could extend beyond the capital due to the cascading effect of disrupted aircraft rotations.
A senior airline executive said poor visibility at hub airports often ripples through national schedules, affecting connectivity in cities far beyond the immediate weather-impacted zone. Travellers were advised to check flight status before leaving for the airport to avoid extended waiting times. Airport authorities confirmed that operations were being conducted under CAT III instrument landing system conditions, which allow aircraft to land in extremely low visibility but require specialised crew training and compatible aircraft. Not all flights meet these technical requirements, making delays unavoidable during peak fog episodes. Officials said coordination was ongoing between airlines, air traffic control, and ground staff to minimise inconvenience.
The Airport Authority of India also issued a general advisory, noting that several airports across northern India were experiencing similar conditions. Passengers were urged to plan journeys with additional buffer time, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours when fog density is typically highest. Urban transport experts say such disruptions highlight the need for better integration between aviation planning and broader city mobility systems. With airports increasingly linked to business productivity and regional economic flows, delays can have measurable impacts on logistics, tourism, and corporate travel.
Experts argue that investments in predictive weather technology, upgraded landing systems, and improved passenger communication are essential for climate-resilient urban infrastructure. As climate variability intensifies and weather extremes become more frequent, aviation authorities face growing pressure to adapt operational models. For Delhi, where winter fog is an annual challenge, strengthening airport preparedness and passenger-centric information systems will be critical to maintaining confidence in air travel while supporting the city’s long-term goal of efficient, inclusive, and sustainable urban mobility.
Delhi Airport Sees 68 Flights Delayed Amid Dense Fog And Low Visibility
