IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet Warn of Travel Disruptions as Dense Fog Forces Major Flight Delays and Cancellations Across Northern India, with Passengers Urged to Stay Informed Amid New Weather Challenges

Published on December 19, 2025

As dense fog continues to blanket northern India, airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have issued urgent travel advisories due to significant flight delays and cancellations. The heavy fog, which has severely impacted visibility, especially in Delhi and surrounding regions, is causing widespread disruptions to air travel. Passengers traveling in and out of northern India are being urged to stay informed about the status of their flights as the weather conditions are expected to persist. These disruptions are compounded by the high volume of travelers during the peak travel season, making it crucial for passengers to remain flexible with their travel plans.

On Friday, several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, issued travel advisories to passengers as dense fog and low visibility continued to impact air travel across Delhi and northern India. The adverse weather conditions were expected to disrupt flight schedules, causing delays and cancellations, particularly in the early morning hours when visibility was at its lowest.

The fog, which has been thickening over the past few days, has led to significant disruptions at major airports, with Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport being one of the hardest-hit. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported visibility dropping as low as 100 meters in the early hours of the morning, a condition that severely affects the ability of aircraft to land and take off safely. This led to numerous flight cancellations and delays, with hundreds of passengers stranded across the airport terminals.

Air India’s Response and Measures

Air India, one of the largest carriers in India, was quick to issue a travel advisory warning passengers about potential delays due to low visibility in Delhi and other parts of northern and eastern India. The airline stated that the dense fog was expected to persist throughout the day, which could cause ripple effects on its flight schedules, impacting both inbound and outbound services.

To address these challenges, Air India said it had taken proactive measures to reduce the impact of the weather disruptions. The airline emphasized that its ground staff would assist passengers facing delays or cancellations, helping them make alternate travel arrangements where possible. In cases of extended delays, the airline said it would work to ensure that affected passengers could reschedule their flights without any additional charges. Alternatively, passengers who opted for a full refund would be accommodated without facing any financial penalties.

Air India also mentioned that it would provide advance alerts to passengers whose flights were likely to be impacted by the fog. These alerts would give passengers enough time to make informed decisions about their travel plans, with the option to reschedule flights or opt for a refund. This initiative was part of the airline’s efforts to minimize passenger inconvenience during the ongoing weather disturbances.

IndiGo’s Advisory and Precautionary Measures

IndiGo, India’s largest budget carrier, also issued a similar travel advisory early Friday, warning its passengers about potential delays or revised flight timings. The airline specifically mentioned that travelers flying during the early morning hours could face disruptions due to the heavy fog affecting northern India, including Delhi. With fog expected to persist through the morning, IndiGo stated that it was working closely with air traffic authorities to ensure that its flights could operate as smoothly as possible.

IndiGo urged passengers to stay in touch with the airline for updates on their flight status. The airline reassured travelers that it was monitoring the situation closely and was making efforts to minimize the impact on its customers. It also advised that passengers be prepared for delays and changes to flight timings, especially during peak travel periods when air traffic congestion could exacerbate delays.

In an effort to keep passengers informed, IndiGo committed to sending out timely communication regarding any changes to flight schedules, ensuring that travelers were aware of any revised timings or cancellations before arriving at the airport. As part of its response plan, the airline also stated that it would assist passengers in finding alternate flights, where possible, to reduce the inconvenience caused by the weather-related delays.

SpiceJet’s Weather Update and Passengers’ Advisory

SpiceJet, another major player in the Indian aviation industry, also issued a travel advisory highlighting the disruptions caused by low visibility in Delhi. The airline’s update mentioned that flights to and from Delhi, as well as any subsequent flights, could be affected due to the dense fog and poor visibility conditions.

In its advisory, SpiceJet urged passengers to keep a close eye on their flight status and remain flexible with their travel plans. The airline advised passengers traveling through Delhi to stay updated on real-time flight information via its website, mobile app, or by contacting the airline directly. Additionally, SpiceJet recommended that passengers arrive at the airport well in advance of their flight departure times, as the fog was expected to lead to longer waiting times for check-in, security checks, and boarding.

SpiceJet also mentioned that the airline would take necessary steps to minimize the impact of the disruptions, including working with airport authorities to ensure that flights could operate safely within the limitations of the foggy weather conditions. However, the airline cautioned that delays were inevitable and urged travelers to remain patient as they navigated the challenges posed by the ongoing weather event.

Delhi Airport’s Response and Impact on Operations

Meanwhile, Delhi Airport authorities announced that they had activated CAT III (Category III) operations to allow landings in extremely low visibility conditions. CAT III is a special procedure that enables aircraft to land in very poor visibility, usually requiring specialized equipment and highly trained pilots and ground staff. Despite these measures, Delhi Airport warned that delays were still expected, as the volume of flights arriving and departing, combined with the limited visibility, created a bottleneck situation at the airport.

Delhi Airport, one of the busiest in the country, was operating under heightened levels of congestion due to the fog. The low visibility, which dropped to as low as 100 meters in the early morning hours, resulted in a significant number of flight cancellations and delays. Dozens of flights were grounded, with hundreds of passengers left stranded in the terminals, waiting for updates on their flight status.

The foggy conditions not only impacted the airlines but also created logistical challenges for the airport’s ground staff. Long lines formed at check-in counters, and security checks were delayed as the fog reduced overall operational efficiency. The India Meteorological Department continued to monitor the situation closely, providing updated weather reports throughout the day.

Travel Tips for Affected Passengers

For passengers traveling during this period of low visibility, airlines strongly recommended staying in constant contact with their carriers for the latest flight updates. It was also advised that travelers check the status of their flights before leaving for the airport, as conditions could change rapidly. Passengers were encouraged to sign up for flight status notifications and alerts through their respective airline’s website or mobile app.

Additionally, passengers were advised to pack essential items, such as snacks, medications, and extra chargers for electronic devices, as delays could extend the time spent at the airport. Those with flexible travel plans were urged to consider rescheduling their flights to avoid the worst of the disruptions.

As the dense fog continued to affect Delhi and other parts of northern India, airlines, passengers, and airport authorities worked together to navigate the challenges posed by the adverse weather conditions. While disruptions were inevitable, efforts were made to ensure that travelers had the support they needed during this challenging travel period.