Dense fog hits Delhi airport: 126 flights delayed or cancelled

Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), Delhi, were disrupted on Tuesday due to low visibility caused by dense fog, leading to delays and cancellations across several services.

According to official information, 126 flights have been affected so far. This includes 49 departing flights and 77 arriving flights.

Airport authorities said that the dense fog covering the national capital affected both take-offs and landings, particularly during the early morning hours. Delhi Airport shared an update through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating that flight operations were largely running smoothly, but some disruptions were still possible.

“Flight operations are running smoothly at Delhi Airport. However, a few departures and arrivals may still be affected. Rest assured, our on-ground officials are available across terminals to assist passengers and provide necessary support. Please stay connected with your airline for the latest updates on your flight,” the airport said.

Earlier, at around 6 am, the airport had issued a fog advisory, warning passengers that flight schedules could continue to face disruptions as operations gradually recovered. The advisory stated, “Flight operations are steadily recovering, but disruptions may persist for certain departures and arrivals. For accurate and timely updates, please contact your airline directly.”

Adding to the problem, Delhi’s air quality remained hazardous on Tuesday morning. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 378 around 8 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category.This was a slight improvement compared to Monday’s AQI of 427, which had been classified as ‘severe’.The combination of poor visibility and high pollution levels affected daily life in the city.

Visitors and residents reported breathing difficulties and limited visibility at several locations.

“The situation is very serious because of pollution. Compared to Indore, I am experiencing difficulty in breathing. Visibility is also very poor; we cannot see the India Gate clearly,” a visitor expressed concern over the conditions.

Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored. Passengers have been advised to check flight status directly with their airlines, as schedules may change depending on weather and visibility conditions.

Ground staff remain deployed across all terminals at Delhi Airport to assist affected travellers and ensure passenger safety amid the challenging weather and air quality conditions.