Dense Fog Blankets North and East India, Triggering Widespread IndiGo Flight Cancellations and Delays

Widespread Flight Disruptions Across India

IndiGo, India's largest airline, has faced extensive flight cancellations and delays across its network, primarily impacting operations in North and East India. The disruptions, which have been ongoing throughout December 2025, are attributed to dense fog and severely reduced visibility at key airports, including Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi.

The challenging weather conditions have led to a cascade of operational adjustments, affecting thousands of passengers and prompting advisories from both the airline and airport authorities.

Impact on Major Airports and Passenger Travel

Delhi's IGI Airport has been at the epicenter of the disruptions. On December 18, 2025, IndiGo alone cancelled 59 domestic flights, with an additional 28 cancellations projected for the following day. Across all airlines, 27 flights were cancelled and 69 were delayed at Delhi Airport on the same day due to dense fog and low visibility. Earlier in the week, on December 16, 2025, a staggering 131 flights were cancelled at Delhi Airport, comprising 52 departures and 79 arrivals, impacting IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. On December 15, 2025, over 60 flights were cancelled and 5 diverted at Delhi, with more than 250 flights experiencing delays.

The reduced visibility often falls below the minimum requirements for safe take-offs and landings, forcing operations to proceed under CAT-III conditions, which demand specialized pilot and aircraft capabilities.

Airline and Airport Responses

In response to the persistent fog, IndiGo has issued multiple travel advisories via its official channels, including X (formerly Twitter). The airline stated, 'As the morning approaches under misty winter skies, fog is predicted across parts of North and East India, which may lead to reduced visibility and a slower pace of flight movements during the early hours. In the interest of safety, some flights may experience delays or adjustments.' IndiGo has assured passengers that its airport teams are 'well-prepared and working in close coordination to manage flight schedules, support passengers, and ensure smooth operations.'

Passengers are strongly advised to:

• Check their flight status on the IndiGo website or mobile application before heading to the airport.
• Allow extra time for travel to the airport, as road traffic may also be affected by the dense fog.
• Be aware of options for rebooking or refunds in case of cancellations.

Delhi Airport authorities have also issued warnings about potential delays and cancellations, urging passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates.

Ongoing Challenges and Outlook

The combination of dense fog and, in some instances, hazardous pollution levels has significantly complicated air traffic operations, particularly during early morning hours. While airlines and airport authorities are working to mitigate the impact, similar fog conditions are anticipated to persist, suggesting continued disruptions in the coming days. The situation highlights the seasonal challenges faced by aviation in Northern India during winter months.