Delhi airport hit by dense fog: 148 flights cancelled, over 150 delayed

At least 148 flights were cancelled and more than 150 others delayed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on December 31 as dense fog and poor visibility severely disrupted flight operations.

Airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said 78 arriving and 70 departing flights were cancelled, while two flights were diverted due to the adverse weather conditions.

In a morning post on X, DIAL said visibility at the airport was gradually improving, but cautioned that some flight disruptions may persist. It added that on-ground teams are working closely with all stakeholders to assist passengers and provide necessary support across terminals.

The Civil Aviation Ministry also flagged the impact of fog across parts of Northern India, warning that flight operations at select airports could continue to be affected. Airlines, the ministry said, have been instructed to strictly follow passenger service norms, including timely updates, assistance during delays, rebooking or refunds where applicable, and baggage facilitation.

IGIA, one of the country’s busiest aviation hubs, handles around 1,300 flight movements daily, making it particularly vulnerable to weather-related disruptions during the winter fog season.