Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), Delhi’s busiest aviation hub, has issued an urgent travel advisory due to severe dense fog blanketing the national capital since early December 2025. Visibility dropping to near zero has triggered over 150 flight delays, 40 diversions, and 20 cancellations in 48 hours, stranding thousands of passengers amid winter’s peak travel season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of continued fog till January, urging caution for all air travelers.
Fog Impact on Operations
Delhi’s winter fog, caused by stagnant air, stubble burning, and pollution, reduces runway visibility below CAT III minima (50-200m), halting landings. IGI’s twin runways switch to Low Visibility Procedures (LVP), spacing flights 10-15 minutes apart versus normal 5 minutes. International arrivals from Dubai, London, and Singapore circle endlessly or divert to Jaipur, Lucknow, or Chandigarh—hotels overburdened, extra fuel burned.
Domestic routes suffer most: 70% IndiGo flights delayed, SpiceJet/Vistara cancelling 15% services. Passengers report 12+ hour waits, no food updates, and chaotic terminals. Airlines blame “operational reasons,” but fog remains primary culprit.
Official Travel Advisory Highlights
IGI’s advisory urges:
- Check Flight Status: Use DelhiAirport app, website, or FIDS screens 4 hours pre-departure.
- Avoid Unnecessary Travel: Buffer 6-8 hours for flights; reschedule non-urgent trips.
- Arrive Early: 4 hours international, 3 hours domestic—security queues swell.
- Alternatives: Opt for trains (Rajdhani semi-operational) or Vande Bharat to nearby cities.
- Compensation: Claim refunds/delays under DGCA norms (₹5K-20K based on duration).
Authorities deploy 50 fog-busting machines, but experts call for more CAT IIIB runways and A-SMGCS tech upgrades.
Passenger Struggles & Tips
Families miss connections, students panic for exams. Social media erupts with #Delhifoghell videos. Tips:
- Track via Flightradar24/IMD app.
- Carry snacks, power banks; use lounges.
- Insure trips; claim via airline portals.
| Impact Metric | Last 48 Hours |
| Delays | 150+ flights |
| Diversions | 40 flights |
| Cancellations | 20 flights |
| Affected Pax | 50,000+ |
IMD predicts fog till Jan 10; IGI assures 80% operations under LVP. Travelers, plan wisely—Delhi fog spares no one.
