Dense fog and low visibility on Wednesday led to major disruption at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi, with 148 flights cancelled and more than 150 delayed as airport operations struggled to cope with adverse weather.
Delhi airport fog worsens morning operations at IGIA
Airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said in a morning post on X that visibility at the airport was improving but that a number of services would continue to be affected. Authorities recorded 78 cancelled arrivals and 70 cancelled departures, and two flights were diverted from the national capital.
Officials on the ground worked closely with airlines, ground handlers and other stakeholders to provide assistance to passengers across terminals. The civil aviation ministry warned that prevailing fog conditions in parts of northern India could affect flight operations at select airports and urged airlines to comply with passenger service requirements.
Airlines have been instructed to provide timely information, assistance during delays, rebooking or refunds where applicable and baggage facilitation. Airport staff said priority was being given to passenger welfare, including help desks, refreshment arrangements and information updates for travellers facing long waits.
“Our teams are coordinating with airlines and stakeholders to minimise disruption and support affected passengers,” a DIAL spokesperson said. The airport operator reiterated that while visibility was improving, intermittent fog patches could continue to affect operations during the day.
IGIA is one of India’s busiest airports and typically handles about 1,300 flight movements each day. That level of traffic means that even brief periods of low visibility can produce a knock-on effect across schedules, producing widespread delays and cancellations at other airports as aircraft and crews are displaced from planned rotations.
Passengers were advised to check flight status with their carriers and arrive at the airport with sufficient time for revised procedures. Many airlines activated contingency plans and arranged additional staff to manage rebooking and customer care. Ground teams at the terminals were mobilised to assist passengers with onward travel options and to manage baggage concerns.
Weather-related disruptions remain a recurring challenge across northern India during the winter months, when dense fog is common. Aviation authorities said they monitor meteorological forecasts closely and coordinate slot adjustments and traffic flow measures to reduce disruption where possible.
While the immediate priority was to restore normal flight operations as visibility improved, aviation officials warned that travellers should expect possible residual delays as the network recovers. The emphasis from regulators and the airport was on safety and adherence to standard operating procedures during periods of reduced visibility.
For passengers affected by cancellations or long delays, airlines issued guidance on rebooking and refund options in accordance with passenger service norms. With flights and schedules gradually returning to normal, officials continued to update the public throughout the day on progress at IGIA.
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi airport fog disrupts operations at IGIA, cancelling 148 flights and delaying over 150.
- Two flights were diverted; 78 arrivals and 70 departures were cancelled.
- DIAL and civil aviation authorities report improving visibility and urge airlines to follow passenger service norms.
- IGIA typically manages about 1,300 daily flight movements, increasing the impact of weather-related delays.
