Dense winter fog coupled with toxic air pushed Delhi into near standstill on Wednesday morning, with visibility dropping to almost zero at times and air quality remaining firmly in the “severe” category. The twin blow disrupted flight operations at the national capital’s airport and slowed road traffic across the city, prompting airlines and airport authorities to issue multiple passenger advisories.
IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet warned travellers of possible delays as dense fog enveloped the capital in the early hours, sharply reducing visibility and affecting both departures and arrivals. Passengers were advised to check flight status regularly and allow extra time to reach the airport, as poor visibility also slowed movement on city roads.
Delhi Airport, in an official fog update, said flight operations were continuing but cautioned that aircraft not compliant with CAT III instrument landing systems could be affected. “While landings and take-offs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get impacted. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted,” the airport said.
IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, flagged delays in departures as operations adjusted to the changing weather. “Delhi is seeing its first hint of winter fog this morning, and visibility around the airport is currently reduced. As operations adjust, some flights may take a little longer to depart,” the airline said. It also urged passengers to factor in slower road traffic while planning their journey to the airport.
Reassuring travellers, IndiGo said its teams were closely monitoring conditions and would keep passengers informed. “As conditions improve, we will continue departures with safety at the forefront,” it added in a follow-up update, while advising customers to track flight status via its website or app.
Air India also issued a travel advisory, asking passengers flying to or from Delhi and parts of northern India to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. “Poor visibility due to dense fog is impacting flight operations in Delhi and parts of Northern India,” the airline said.
SpiceJet echoed similar concerns, warning that weather-related disruptions could ripple through its network. “Due to bad weather (poor visibility) in Delhi, all departures and arrivals, along with consequential flights, might get affected,” the airline said, urging passengers to stay updated through official channels.
The disruption came as Delhi’s air quality index stood at 456 at 6 am, firmly in the “severe” category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. An AQI reading above 401 is classified as “severe” and poses serious health risks, especially for children.
