Severe Fog Disrupts Travel in Delhi: 128 Flights Canceled and Delays Expected

Dense fog has wreaked havoc on travel in Delhi, resulting in the cancellation of 128 flights and significant delays for both air and rail services. Passengers faced long waits and disruptions as visibility dropped to critical levels. The India Meteorological Department has issued alerts for severe fog conditions, predicting continued travel challenges in the coming days. With the official fog season declared, travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses and prepare for potential delays. This situation highlights the ongoing impact of weather on transportation in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 29, 2025, 12:34 IST

Travel Chaos in Delhi Due to Dense Fog

New Delhi: On Monday, dense fog significantly disrupted flight and train services across various regions in India, particularly at Delhi Airport, where thousands of travelers found themselves stranded.

A total of 128 flights were canceled at the airport, comprising 64 arrivals and 64 departures. Additionally, eight flights were diverted, and over 30 flights faced delays due to severely reduced visibility, which dropped to approximately 125 meters.

The impact of the fog extended to multiple airports, leading to delays and cancellations as visibility continued to plummet. Passengers experienced long waits as the cascading delays created congestion and frustration.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for dense fog in both Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The forecast indicates that temperatures will range between a maximum of 22 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 7 degrees Celsius. Similar alerts have also been issued for Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

In response to the situation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designated the period from December 10 to February 10, 2026, as the official fog season, predicting frequent disruptions during this time.

Delhi Airport authorities shared a passenger advisory on X, indicating that flight operations were being conducted under CAT III conditions due to the fog, which could lead to further delays or cancellations. Travelers were encouraged to verify their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport.

Numerous inbound flights to Delhi were diverted due to the poor visibility, air traffic congestion, and operational delays, adding to the inconvenience for passengers. Airlines also issued warnings about potential cancellations and delays.

IndiGo reported on X that dense fog in Jammu was affecting visibility, impacting flights to and from the area. The airline noted that some services might face delays or cancellations depending on weather conditions and operational feasibility.

SpiceJet provided its last update around midnight, alerting passengers to disruptions in Kolkata.

"Due to adverse weather (poor visibility) in Kolkata (CCU), all departures and arrivals, along with their consequential flights, may be impacted. Passengers are advised to check their flight status," the airline stated.

Train services were also affected by the fog, with several trains running late. Delayed trains included the Mahabodhi Superfast Express (12397), Vikramshila Express (12367), Arunachal Express (22411), Lucknow–New Delhi AC Superfast Express (12429), Bareilly–New Delhi Intercity Express (14315), Muzaffarpur–Porbandar Express (19270), and Katra–Kota Weekly Express (19894), among others.

According to the IMD, a western disturbance is expected to impact northern India, with Delhi possibly experiencing partly cloudy skies on the evening of December 31. Light rain is also anticipated in parts of Delhi-NCR on January 1. The weather department has issued alerts for severe cold and dense fog conditions in the region as the New Year approaches.