148 Flights Cancelled in Delhi as Dense Fog Disrupts New Year Travel Plans; Over 150 Delayed

Dense fog blanketed Delhi on the final day of 2025, severely disrupting New Year travel plans as at least 148 flights were cancelled and more than 150 others delayed at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Wednesday, officials said.

According to information accessed by HT, the cancellations included 78 arriving and 70 departing flights. Several airlines, including IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet, issued travel advisories warning passengers of widespread disruptions due to poor visibility.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert for moderate to dense fog on New Year’s Eve. Visuals shared by news agency ANI showed visibility dropping to just a few metres in parts of the national capital early Wednesday morning.

The dense fog affected movement across key stretches of the city and also disrupted rail services, with several trains running late due to reduced visibility. Passengers were seen waiting at railway stations as train movement slowed across multiple routes.

Delhi’s air quality remained a concern as well. The city recorded “very poor” air quality and was close to slipping into the “severe” category, with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 383 recorded at 6:05 am, according to data from the Sameer app of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Airport advisory issued

In a passenger advisory, Delhi Airport authorities said flight operations were being conducted under CAT III protocols because of dense fog, warning of possible delays and cancellations.

“Due to prevailing dense fog conditions, flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III protocols, which may result in delays or cancellations. Our ground teams are on-site and actively assisting passengers to ensure a smooth travel experience,” the advisory said, urging travellers to check with their airlines for the latest updates.

Airlines warn passengers

Air India said fog conditions were likely to have a cascading impact on flight schedules across its network. The airline said it had proactively cancelled some morning flights expected to be most affected, informing passengers in advance to avoid long waits at airports.

“To give passengers more control over their travel, our FogCare initiative allows those booked on certain flights during the fog window to receive advance alerts and choose to reschedule without additional charges or opt for a full refund,” Air India said.

IndiGo also cautioned that arrivals and departures could be affected throughout the day in Delhi and other northern airports due to low visibility. “We are closely monitoring the situation and making operational adjustments wherever required,” the airline said, adding that passengers would be kept informed through registered contact details and digital channels.

SpiceJet issued a similar advisory, warning that all arrivals, departures and consequential flights could be impacted due to foggy conditions and urging passengers to regularly check their flight status.

With fog expected to persist through the morning hours, authorities advised travellers to plan ahead and stay updated on transport schedules.