Dense fog blanketed Delhi and large parts of North India on Wednesday, slashing visibility to near zero in several areas and disrupting road, rail and air travel on the final day of 2025. Authorities reported heavy disruption at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, where 150 flights were cancelled and more than 250 delayed on Wednesday alone.
Delhi dense fog hits travel and daily life
More than 500 flights were delayed, cancelled or diverted across northern airports as the fog and a biting cold swept through the capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded the maximum temperature in Delhi at 14.2°C, some 6.2°C below normal and the lowest daytime reading since 2020. Night-time minima dipped to around 6.4°C overall, with station readings of 7.7°C at Palam, 6.8°C at Lodhi Road and 7.8°C at the Ridge.
Visibility was severely reduced in several locations. Safdarjung reported visibility as low as 50 metres between 06:30 and 07:30, improving to around 100 metres by 08:00. Palam also recorded visibility of 50 metres in the early hours, rising to 150 metres by 08:00. Such conditions prompted IMD and transport authorities to warn of likely disruptions on highways and railway routes as well as at airports.
The IMD has forecast dense to very dense fog accompanied by severe cold-day conditions during late-night and early-morning hours across Punjab, Haryana, east and west Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Delhi and Chandigarh through to January 5. An IMD official explained that a cold day is declared when the minimum temperature falls below 10°C and the maximum remains about 4.5°C below normal.
Skymet meteorologist Mahesh Palawat cautioned that coldwave conditions may develop from January 3, with minimums possibly dropping below 5°C as northerly winds from the Himalayan region intensify. The weather department also flagged the potential for the season’s first spell of rain later in the night or on New Year’s Day.
Officials attributed the fog to a western disturbance moving across the mountains and slower winds in the lower levels, which restricted the dispersion of pollutants and moisture. High humidity and nocturnal breezes are expected to maintain the chill factor through the evenings, creating conditions conducive to more dense fog as nights progress.
Delhi’s IGI Airport issued a passenger advisory warning of delays and cancellations as flight operations run under CAT III instrument landing procedures, which can be slower and more cautious in very low visibility. Airlines including IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet issued travel advisories asking passengers to check flight status and allow extra time for journeys.
“We recommend checking your latest flight status before leaving for the airport. As fog may also affect road traffic, keeping a little additional time in hand for your drive may help make your journey more comfortable,” IndiGo said in a statement.
The IMD urged residents to remain cautious, warning of possible tripping of power lines in areas with very dense fog and advising motorists to use fog lights and maintain contact with airlines, railways and state transport authorities for updates. Public health guidance recommended dressing in several loose layers, covering head, neck, hands and feet to reduce heat loss.
With the forecast calling for continued cold and foggy mornings for several days, commuters and travellers have been advised to factor in likely delays and to follow official updates closely as agencies work to manage operations and passenger safety.
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi dense fog reduced visibility to near zero on New Year’s Eve, forcing cancellations and delays at IGI Airport.
- Over 500 flights were affected across northern airports; 150 flights cancelled and more than 250 delayed at Delhi.
- IMD warns dense to very dense fog and severe cold-day conditions will persist across North India until January 5.
- Authorities urged travel caution, with advisories from airlines and the airport and forecasts of rain and possible coldwave from January 3.
