At least 148 flights were cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, after dense fog and low visibility affected operations at the national capital’s hub. Officials said more than 150 flights were delayed, while two aircraft were diverted to alternate aerodromes.
Delhi airport flight cancellations affect arrivals and departures
Airport authorities said 78 arrivals and 70 departures were cancelled as fog settled over the region in the early hours. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates IGIA, posted on X that visibility was improving by mid-morning but warned that some flights could still be impacted as services recovered.
On-ground teams at the terminals worked with airlines, ground handlers and air traffic control to support passengers. DIAL said staff were assisting travellers with information, baggage handling and transfers between gates to reduce inconvenience.
The Civil Aviation Ministry reiterated that prevailing fog in parts of northern India may continue to affect flight operations at select airports. In a post on X, the ministry instructed carriers to strictly adhere to passenger service norms, including providing timely updates, assistance during delays, rebooking or refunds where applicable, and steps to facilitate baggage collection.
IGIA normally manages around 1,300 flight movements every day, a figure that emphasises the scale of disruption when weather intervenes. The cancellations occurred at a time of heightened travel demand as passengers travelled for New Year plans, amplifying delays and putting additional pressure on customer service teams.
Airlines operating at IGIA said they were rerouting schedules where possible and offering alternative options to affected customers. Some carriers activated contingency plans to accommodate stranded travellers on later flights or through interline arrangements with partner airlines.
Experts note that winter fog frequently affects northern Indian airports, particularly in late December and January, when temperature inversions trap moisture close to the ground. Airports and airlines plan for such events, deploying technological aids and revised operating procedures to maintain safety while attempting to keep disruption to a minimum.
Passengers planning to travel through IGIA in the next 24 to 48 hours were urged to check flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport. Travellers were also advised to allow extra time for transfers and to register for airline notifications to receive real-time updates.
While visibility improved as the morning progressed, airport officials cautioned that weather patterns can change rapidly. They said work would continue across terminals to prioritise late-night and early-morning services and to restore normal operations as swiftly as conditions allow.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of large hub airports to seasonal weather events and the importance of coordination between airport operators, airlines and air traffic services to protect passenger safety and limit disruption.
Key Takeaways:
- Dense fog and low visibility caused 148 flight cancellations and over 150 delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
- DIAL reported improving visibility but warned some services might remain affected; two flights were diverted.
- The Civil Aviation Ministry instructed airlines to follow passenger service norms including rebooking or refunds.
- IGIA normally handles about 1,300 movements daily, intensifying disruption during peak New Year travel.
