Delhi flight cancellations: 148 flights cancelled as dense fog engulfs city on last day of the year; Airport & airlines issue advisories

Delhi flight cancellations: Severe fog and extremely low visibility led to widespread disruption at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Wednesday, with at least 148 flights cancelled and more than 150 delayed, officials said.

According to airport authorities, 78 incoming flights and 70 departures were cancelled during the day, while two flights were diverted due to unsafe landing conditions. The airport is operated by the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL).

Earlier in the morning, Delhi airport issued a passenger advisory, warning travellers of delays and cancellations as flight operations shifted to CAT III protocols. These special procedures are used during extremely low visibility, allowing aircraft equipped with advanced systems to land safely.


In an advisory shared on X, Delhi Airport said dense fog conditions have forced airlines to follow special low-visibility landing and take-off procedures, which could impact flight schedules. Passengers were advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates.

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“Due to prevailing dense fog conditions, flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III protocols, which may result in delays or cancellations. Our ground teams are on-site and actively assisting passengers to ensure a smooth travel experience,” the airport said.

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The airport authority also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and urged travellers to check flight status before heading to the airport.

Dense fog enveloped Delhi early Wednesday, reducing visibility to near zero in several areas and affecting road, rail, and air travel. Several flights at IGI Airport were either cancelled or rescheduled as airlines struggled to cope with the low-visibility conditions.


Despite a slight improvement, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category, with the Air Quality Index recorded at 383, according to official data. Poor air quality, combined with thick fog, further worsened travel conditions across the city.

IndiGo, SpiceJet issue travel advisories

Budget carrier IndiGo also issued a separate travel advisory, saying it is closely monitoring the situation across Delhi and other airports in northern India. The airline said flight arrivals and departures may continue to be affected if reduced visibility persists through the day.


“Foggy conditions are present across Delhi and several airports in northern India this morning. If reduced visibility conditions persist, flight departures and arrivals may be impacted as the day progresses,” IndiGo said in its statement.

The airline advised passengers to check their latest flight status before leaving for the airport and allow extra travel time, as fog could also slow down road traffic. IndiGo added that timely updates will be shared through registered contact details and digital platforms.

SpiceJet also cautioned passengers about possible disruptions. In a post on X, the airline said, “Due to bad weather in Delhi, all departures and arrivals, along with their consequential flights, may be affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status.”


As winter fog continues to grip Delhi, passengers are being urged to plan their journeys carefully and stay updated with airline advisories to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

Inputs from TOI