Dense Fog Disrupts Visibility and Travel in Delhi-NCR

A thick fog has blanketed the Delhi-NCR region, significantly reducing visibility and causing travel disruptions. The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued fog conditions in the coming days, while air quality remains in the 'very poor' category. Airlines like SpiceJet and Air India have issued advisories regarding potential delays and cancellations due to the adverse weather. This article explores the impact of the fog on road and air travel, as well as the current weather conditions in the capital.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 18, 2025, 11:37 IST

Severe Fog Affects Delhi-NCR

On Thursday morning, a thick layer of fog enveloped a significant portion of the National Capital Region (NCR), leading to drastically reduced visibility and hindering normal movement. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), fog was reported in the national capital as early as 6 AM. Visibility at Palam Airport plummeted to 150 meters, while Safdarjung Airport recorded visibility at 200 meters.

The dense fog caused disruptions in road traffic across various areas. Major roads and highways connecting Delhi to NCR cities like Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Noida saw vehicles moving at a slow pace. Due to the poor visibility, drivers had to exercise caution, resulting in delays for morning commuters.

Officials indicated that visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Palam is expected to improve to 150 meters within the next 30 minutes, with gradual enhancements thereafter.

Weather Forecast and Air Quality

Meteorological officials warned that the cold weather could lead to persistent fog conditions in the mornings over the coming days. The IMD has predicted dense fog for both Thursday and Friday.

Meanwhile, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that air quality in the national capital remained in the 'very poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 358.

The IMD noted that the minimum temperature in the capital was recorded at 9.0 degrees Celsius, which is 0.9 degrees above the seasonal average. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 23 degrees Celsius. At 8:30 AM, relative humidity was recorded at 100%.

According to the CPCB, AQI readings are categorized as follows: 0-50 is 'Good', 51-100 is 'Satisfactory', 101-200 is 'Moderate', 201-300 is 'Poor', 301-400 is 'Very Poor', and 401-500 is 'Severe'.

Airlines Issue Travel Advisories

Several airlines have issued travel advisories due to disruptions in flight operations across parts of North India caused by the dense fog. On Thursday, SpiceJet warned passengers about potential delays and cancellations in Delhi due to adverse weather conditions. The airline advised travelers to check their flight status on its website before heading to the airport.

Air India also cautioned that the ongoing fog conditions could lead to reduced visibility, affecting flight operations at its main hub in Delhi as well as several airports in Northern and Eastern India, which could impact its entire network.