New Delhi: Dense fog continued to wreak havoc on air travel in Delhi on Tuesday, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The poor visibility affected hundreds of passengers and disrupted travel plans across northern India for a second consecutive day.

As of approximately 9:30 am IST, airport officials reported that at least 118 flights had been cancelled, over 200 flights delayed, and 18 diverted to alternate airports due to the severe weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded visibility at IGI Airport at just 350 metres at the same time, indicating dense fog conditions that made takeoffs and landings challenging.

Travel Advisory Issued by AAI

In response to the disruptions, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) issued a formal advisory to travellers, warning of possible delays across northern India’s airports. The advisory urged passengers to stay in regular contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates and to allow extra time for check-in and airport procedures.

The AAI stated, “Due to prevailing fog conditions today, 30 December 2025, visibility levels across Northern India have reduced at select airports. This may impact flight operations, including possible delays. Passengers are advised to stay in close contact with their respective airlines through official communication channels for the latest flight updates. Travellers should also plan their journeys accordingly by allowing additional time for airport arrival and check-in procedures.”

Assistance teams were deployed at IGI Airport and other affected airports to help stranded passengers and provide guidance on rebooking and rescheduling flights.

Airlines Warn Passengers of Disruptions

IndiGo, one of India’s largest carriers, released a travel advisory late Monday night, cautioning passengers about early-morning fog across several northern airports, including Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jammu, Hindon, and others. The airline highlighted that visibility could reduce suddenly during early hours, affecting flight schedules.

In its advisory, IndiGo stated, “Our teams will remain fully prepared through the night, monitoring the weather minute by minute. Early-morning fog is expected to affect visibility across these airports. Passengers are advised to plan their travel accordingly and remain in close contact with the airline for updates.”

Other airlines, including Air India, also issued similar advisories, urging passengers to check their flight status frequently and be prepared for delays and cancellations.

Impact on Travel and Train Services

The dense fog not only affected flights but also led to disruptions in train services across Delhi and the surrounding region. Commuters faced delays and cancellations on multiple routes, compounding the difficulties for travellers during the ongoing winter season.

Monday had already witnessed significant disruptions, with 128 flights cancelled and over 200 delayed at IGI Airport. IndiGo alone cancelled around 80 flights, according to official reports. The recurrence of dense fog on Tuesday underscores the vulnerability of transport operations to winter weather in northern India.

Safety Precautions and Passenger Support

Airport authorities emphasised that the safety of passengers and crew remains a top priority. Flights are being delayed or rerouted when necessary to prevent accidents caused by low visibility. Airport staff, airline personnel, and ground handling teams have been mobilised to manage passenger flow, provide updates, and facilitate alternate travel arrangements.

Passengers are advised to monitor official airline communication channels, including websites, mobile apps, and SMS alerts, to stay informed of real-time flight updates. Travellers are also encouraged to reach airports well in advance and follow staff guidance for check-in and boarding procedures.

Looking Ahead

The IMD has forecast continued dense fog conditions in Delhi and surrounding regions, suggesting that travel disruptions may persist until visibility improves. Authorities are closely monitoring weather developments and coordinating with airlines to minimise inconvenience and ensure passenger safety.

As winter continues to affect the region, travellers are advised to remain vigilant, plan extra travel time, and stay updated on weather conditions and airline advisories to avoid last-minute surprises.

With flights, trains, and other transport networks affected, passengers are urged to exercise patience and cooperate with airport and railway authorities to ensure safe and efficient travel during the foggy spell.