India’s aviation sector is grappling with severe operational challenges as dense winter fog blankets large parts of Northern India, forcing major airlines IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet to issue critical travel advisories for passengers. The prolonged low-visibility conditions have led to widespread flight delays and cancellations at key airports, including Delhi, Chandigarh, and Varanasi, during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The sudden deterioration in weather conditions has significantly reduced runway visibility, affecting both domestic and international flight schedules. With the holiday season in full swing, the disruptions have caused considerable inconvenience for travelers, prompting airlines and airport authorities to take emergency measures to manage safety and passenger flow.
Dense Fog Cripples Airport Operations
Northern India experiences seasonal fog every winter, but the current conditions have been particularly severe. Visibility levels dropped sharply across several airports, making it unsafe for aircraft operations, especially during early morning and late-night hours. At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the country’s busiest hubs, dozens of flights were cancelled in a single day, while many others faced cascading delays.
Chandigarh and Varanasi airports also reported major disruptions, with several flights grounded due to poor visibility. Smaller regional airports across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and neighboring states experienced intermittent delays, compounding the overall strain on air traffic management.
Airlines Issue Urgent Passenger Advisories
In response to the worsening situation, India’s leading carriers issued advisories urging passengers to stay informed and plan ahead. Air India warned that fog at its primary hub in Delhi could have a ripple effect across its national and international network, impacting connections and turnaround times.
To ease passenger inconvenience, Air India activated its FogCare policy, allowing affected travelers to reschedule flights or request refunds without penalties. This initiative is designed to provide flexibility during weather-related disruptions and reduce congestion at airport terminals.
IndiGo, the country’s largest airline by market share, cancelled multiple flights at Chandigarh airport alone, citing safety concerns due to extremely low visibility. The airline emphasized that passenger safety remains its top priority and advised travelers to check flight status before leaving for the airport.
SpiceJet also issued warnings for passengers flying to and from Varanasi and other fog-affected destinations. The airline cautioned that flights may be delayed, diverted, or cancelled at short notice depending on weather conditions.
Airports Authority of India on High Alert
The Airports Authority of India issued its own advisory, warning that fog conditions were expected to persist for several days. Airport operators were instructed to implement low-visibility procedures and coordinate closely with airlines to manage air traffic safely.
Passengers were advised to remain patient and rely on official airline updates rather than arriving at airports without confirmed flight information. Authorities highlighted that while modern navigation systems allow some aircraft to operate in low visibility, safety margins remain critical.
Routes and Networks Most Affected
The fog disruption has affected several high-density routes, including connections between Delhi and major cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and international destinations. Flights linking Chandigarh and Varanasi with Delhi and other metros were also among the worst hit.
International departures from Delhi faced knock-on delays as aircraft rotations were disrupted. Travelers connecting onward to overseas destinations experienced longer layovers and missed connections, adding to travel stress.
Impact on Holiday Travel
The timing of the fog could not be worse, coinciding with peak holiday travel when passenger volumes are at their highest. Families traveling to visit relatives, tourists heading for winter vacations, and business travelers all faced uncertainty as schedules changed repeatedly throughout the day.
Airports witnessed overcrowding at times, with passengers waiting for updates on delayed flights. Airlines deployed additional staff to assist travelers with rebooking, refunds, and information, while digital channels were used extensively to communicate real-time updates.
What Passengers Should Do
Travelers flying through Northern India are strongly advised to take proactive steps to minimize inconvenience:
- Check flight status frequently through official airline channels before heading to the airport
- Allow extra time for travel, as fog can cause sudden delays even after arrival
- Take advantage of flexible rebooking and refund policies offered during fog disruptions
- Stay updated via airline notifications and official airport announcements
- Be prepared for extended waiting times and possible overnight delays
Passengers with tight connections or time-sensitive travel plans are encouraged to consider alternative arrangements where possible until weather conditions improve.
Safety Remains the Priority
Despite the frustration caused by cancellations and delays, airlines and authorities have reiterated that safety cannot be compromised. Operating aircraft in extremely low visibility carries significant risks, and decisions to cancel or delay flights are made to protect passengers and crew.
India’s aviation infrastructure continues to improve its ability to handle adverse weather, but dense fog remains one of the most challenging conditions to manage, particularly during winter months.
Looking Ahead
Weather forecasts indicate that fog is likely to continue affecting Northern India for several more days, meaning disruptions may persist. Airlines are expected to maintain flexible policies and adjust schedules dynamically as conditions evolve.
For now, passengers are urged to remain flexible, informed, and patient. With coordinated efforts from airlines, airports, and aviation authorities, the situation is being managed cautiously, ensuring safety while working to restore normal operations as soon as weather permits.
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