Dense Fog Paralyzes Delhi Travel, Nearly 150 Flights Cancelled and Hundreds Delayed

In Shorts

• Dense fog in Delhi causes mass flight disruptions with nearly 150 flights cancelled and many more delayed.
• Visibility plummets to near-zero in parts of the city, affecting air travel and daily commute.
• Authorities and airlines advise passengers to check flight status and plan extra travel time.

Dense layers of fog have once again blanketed the national capital and adjoining regions, bringing travel chaos to Delhi’s transport system. Early morning conditions saw visibility plunge to dangerously low levels, forcing airlines and airport authorities to halt or delay dozens of flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Airport officials confirmed that close to 148 flights were cancelled on Wednesday as the thick fog made landing and takeoffs difficult. In addition to those cancellations, more than 200 flights experienced delays, affecting both arrivals and departures throughout the morning. Passengers witnessed grounded aircraft on tarmacs and long waits in terminals as schedules shifted.

The weather situation extended beyond the airport. Motorists reported near-zero visibility on major roads across Delhi and neighboring cities such as Noida and Ghaziabad, slowing commuter traffic and increasing travel times. Amid the poor conditions, the India Meteorological Department issued a weather advisory warning that dense fog was expected to persist through the day.

Airlines including IndiGo and SpiceJet urged travellers to verify their flight status before leaving for the airport. IndiGo emphasised safety and advised passengers to allow extra time for connections due to the unpredictable visibility. Some carriers also offered options to reschedule or refund affected bookings.

Officials noted that the fog has been coupled with stagnant air conditions common in winter, contributing to visibility issues and compounding delays. The Civil Aviation Ministry recommended that passengers stay updated on travel advisories and consult airline notifications to avoid inconvenience.

As dense fog persists, travellers and residents are bracing for continued disruptions. Those with upcoming flights have been cautioned to stay vigilant and check real-time updates to minimise travel setbacks.