India’s Delhi Airport Faces Severe Fog Disruptions, Passengers Warned Of Delays And Reduced Visibility As Airlines Issue Travel Alerts

Published on December 18, 2025

India’s Delhi Airport is grappling with severe fog disruptions, causing significant delays and reduced visibility. Passengers are being warned about potential travel interruptions, as airlines have issued travel alerts to keep travelers informed about the ongoing conditions affecting flights. This dense fog is making it challenging for air traffic to operate smoothly, resulting in slowdowns across the airport’s terminals.

New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS) – The dense fog that enveloped the national capital on Thursday morning prompted Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) to issue an early passenger advisory, informing travelers of the activation of Low Visibility Procedures (LVP). Despite the reduced visibility, flight operations at the airport continued without significant disruptions. The advisory, released at 4:30 a.m., explained that the fog had led to a considerable drop in visibility, necessitating the implementation of LVP for the safety of aircraft operations. At the time of the announcement, authorities assured that flight services were proceeding as normal.

The fog affected not only the airport but also large parts of North India, where visibility levels were significantly lowered. Passengers were urged to stay in close contact with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules. Airlines issued advisories cautioning that the dense fog could result in delays or disruptions in flight operations. Travelers were advised to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport, as the weather conditions could lead to changes in departure and arrival times.

One airline posted an advisory on its official platform, informing passengers that departures and arrivals could be impacted due to the dense fog in Delhi. Passengers were encouraged to stay updated by regularly checking the airline’s website for the latest flight status. This advisory indicated that the airline was closely monitoring the situation and would provide timely updates to minimize any inconvenience caused by the weather conditions.

Another airline also issued a cautionary notice, warning of potential poor visibility at airports, particularly in Delhi. The advisory noted that the fog could persist for several days, and that other airports in northern and eastern India might also face disruptions. The airline assured passengers that it was taking necessary steps to reduce any inconvenience caused by the weather. It introduced a proactive approach, offering alerts through mobile notifications for passengers on flights that might face delays. Additionally, affected passengers were given options to change their flights without incurring extra charges or to opt for a full refund.

In light of the challenging weather conditions, a third airline also shared a warning, highlighting that operations at Chandigarh Airport could face delays due to low visibility caused by the fog. Similar to the other airlines, it advised passengers to regularly check flight statuses and to remain informed about any potential changes to their itineraries.

As the fog blanketed Delhi, it also worsened the air quality, a persistent problem in the city during the winter months. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) on Thursday morning reached 356, a level categorized as “severe.” The thick smog not only reduced visibility on the roads but also posed significant health risks to residents and travelers alike. The AQI levels were recorded at dangerous levels at several air quality monitoring stations across the city, with four stations in the “severe” category. This deterioration in air quality exacerbated the challenges posed by the fog, impacting daily activities and raising concerns among the general public, particularly those with respiratory issues.

The smog, which has been a recurring issue during the winter months in Delhi, further intensified the foggy conditions. The haze covered residential areas, roads, and public spaces, reducing visibility and making it difficult for people to move about freely. The blanket of dense fog and smog not only caused major disruptions at the airport but also created a hazardous environment for commuters.

According to data from the Commission for Air Quality Management’s SAMEER app, by 7 a.m. on Thursday, the AQI had worsened further, reaching an alarming 358, signaling an extremely hazardous air quality. The smog and fog combined, severely affecting the visibility in Delhi and its neighboring areas. The situation underscored the challenges faced by the city as it continues to battle high levels of pollution and poor air quality, particularly during the winter months when stubble burning and lower temperatures contribute to the thickening of the smog.

Health officials have issued warnings urging residents to avoid outdoor activities, particularly for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The poor air quality also had a significant impact on the overall public health of the capital, with experts stressing the importance of limiting exposure to polluted air. The combination of low visibility due to the fog and hazardous air quality levels only worsened the already challenging living conditions in the city.

As the day progressed, the authorities continued to monitor the weather and air quality conditions. Travelers were encouraged to plan their journeys with caution, allowing for extra travel time and staying updated with real-time information. With the fog expected to persist throughout the morning, passengers were advised to check for any last-minute changes to their flight schedules.

In response to the ongoing challenges, the airport authorities reiterated that while flight operations were continuing without major disruptions, the situation could evolve depending on how the weather conditions unfolded. The implementation of LVP was aimed at ensuring the safety of passengers and aircraft while navigating through reduced visibility. Passengers were reminded to cooperate with airport staff and follow all safety protocols during their travel.

Delhi Airport is facing severe fog disruptions, leading to delays and reduced visibility. Airlines have issued travel alerts to warn passengers of potential travel interruptions due to the challenging conditions.

In summary, the combination of dense fog and poor air quality in Delhi on Thursday morning prompted a series of advisories from IGI and airlines, urging travelers to stay informed about potential disruptions and to allow extra time for their journeys. While flight operations continued, the challenges posed by the weather and pollution highlighted the need for travelers to remain vigilant and prepared for possible delays or changes in their travel plans.