As Delhi prepared to welcome 2026, dense fog brought New Year travel plans to a halt on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport recorded severe disruptions, with 150 flights cancelled and more than 250 delayed amid extremely low visibility. Airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, issued travel advisories urging passengers to check the status of their flights.

Flight Disruptions

• Of the 150 cancelled flights, 79 were arrivals and 71 departures.
• Over 250 flights experienced delays due to reduced visibility.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert for moderate to dense fog on New Year’s Eve.
• Visuals shared by ANI showed visibility had dropped to just a few metres in the morning.

IGI Airport Advisory

Delhi’s IGI Airport issued an advisory stating that CAT III protocols were being followed to maintain flight operations, which may result in delays or cancellations. The airport assured passengers that ground teams were actively assisting travelers to ensure smooth operations. Passengers were advised to contact their airlines for the latest updates.

Airline Responses

• Air India: The airline highlighted potential cascading delays across its network and had proactively cancelled some morning flights expected to be most affected. Its FogCare initiative allows passengers to reschedule flights or claim a refund without penalty if impacted by fog.
• IndiGo: Announced that arrivals and departures could be impacted throughout the day due to reduced visibility, with operational adjustments being made to minimize inconvenience.
• SpiceJet: Urged passengers to regularly check flight status as departures, arrivals, and consequential flightscould be affected.

Rail and Road Impact

• Rail services were also affected, with delays reported across several routes due to poor visibility.
• Commuters at railway stations in Delhi experienced slower train movement, compounding travel challenges on the final day of the year.

Air Quality Concerns

The air quality in Delhi remained very poor, with an AQI of 383 as of 6:05 am, and was on the verge of turning severe. Persistent fog and smog further compounded health risks and travel disruption across the city.

Passengers were strongly advised to plan ahead, check updates frequently, and allow extra time for travel to the airport or railway stations amid these adverse weather conditions.

This incident highlights the recurring winter challenges in Delhi, where dense fog not only affects air travel but also rail and road connectivity, posing risks and delays for commuters during major holidays.