Delhi continued to struggle with dense winter fog on Wednesday, as low visibility affected daily life and disrupted air travel across the national capital. Thick layers of fog covered large parts of the city
from late night, reducing visibility levels and causing delays at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
The weather conditions came amid already poor air quality, adding to the difficulties faced by commuters and travellers.
Airport issues passenger advisory
Delhi Airport authorities issued a passenger advisory as fog conditions persisted. While airport operations remained open for both arrivals and departures, officials warned that flights not equipped with CAT III landing systems could be affected.
The advisory stated: “While landings and take offs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information.”
CAT III systems allow aircraft to land safely in very low visibility, making them crucial during dense fog conditions.
Flights delayed and cancelled
According to flight tracking website Flightradar24, over 30 flights witnessed delayed departures on Wednesday morning. The impact was visible across both domestic and international services, with passengers reporting long waiting times at terminals.
On Tuesday, at least 10 flights were cancelled during the day. This included six incoming flights and four departing flights. In addition, over 270 flights were delayed due to poor visibility and operational challenges.
Travellers were advised to check their flight status regularly and remain in touch with airlines for real-time updates.
SpiceJet issues travel advisory
Low visibility conditions were not limited to Delhi alone. SpiceJet issued a travel advisory on Wednesday, warning passengers of possible disruptions across several northern and eastern cities.
In its advisory on X, the airline said poor visibility was expected in Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Darbhanga, Patna, Guwahati and Bagdogra. The airline cautioned that both arrivals and departures, along with connecting flights, could be affected.
Passengers were requested to keep checking their flight status through the airline’s official website to avoid inconvenience.
Fog adds to winter woes
The dense fog has become a regular feature of Delhi’s winters, often leading to transport disruptions. Experts say cold temperatures, high moisture levels and calm winds create ideal conditions for fog formation.
This year, the situation has been worsened by severe air pollution, which further reduces visibility and poses health risks. Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during early morning hours and follow safety guidelines.
Advice for travellers
Airlines and airport officials have asked passengers to plan their journeys carefully, arrive early at airports and stay updated through official channels. With foggy conditions expected to continue, further delays cannot be ruled out.
For now, Delhi remains under a thick blanket of winter fog, testing the patience of travellers as the city navigates another challenging cold season.
