CAT III Alert: Delhi Fog and 'Very Poor' AQI Force Air India, IndiGo Cancellations

January 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM•3 min read

Air India and IndiGo issued travel advisories as dense fog and 'very poor' AQI (386) in Delhi-NCR triggered flight disruptions and CAT III low visibility procedures.

Key Points

1Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 386, classifying Delhi's air quality as "very poor" on January 2, 2026.
2Dense fog forced Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) to implement CAT III Low Visibility Procedures (LVP), severely limiting flight capacity.
3Air India and IndiGo issued advisories, with IndiGo proactively cancelling flights to mitigate passenger wait times.
4The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked GRAP Stage III, imposing bans on construction and certain vehicle types.

Dense fog and severely degraded air quality are impacting Delhi flight operations.

The national capital region (NCR) woke to thick smog and fog on January 2, 2026. This combination sharply reduced visibility across the area. Authorities recorded the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 386, placing it in the "very poor" category. This level is just below the "severe" threshold of 401, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards.

Aviation Disruption and CAT III Procedures

Low visibility has caused dense fog disruption at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). The airport has activated Low Visibility Procedures (LVP). This includes using specialized Category III (CAT III) systems. These systems allow trained pilots and approved aircraft to operate safely. However, they significantly reduce the airport's capacity, causing delays and cancellations.

Major carriers quickly issued advisories to passengers. Air India alerted travelers on January 1. They cited predicted dense fog and reduced visibility across Northern India. The airline noted that flight schedules might be impacted. This could cause ripple effects throughout their network.

IndiGo also issued a travel advisory late Thursday night. They confirmed that some flights were cancelled in advance. This proactive measure aims to reduce passenger waiting time at the airport. IndiGo stated their teams are closely monitoring the evolving weather conditions.

Regulatory Response to Air Quality

The very poor air quality reading of 386 has triggered a regulatory response. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III measures. This is part of the Graded Response Action Plan Stage III (GRAP).

GRAP Stage III enforces several restrictions to curb pollution sources. These restrictions include a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities. There are also restrictions on certain vehicles. Specifically, the plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel light motor vehicles is restricted. Authorities are also enforcing the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule.

Operational Challenges and Outlook

The cold weather is compounding the pollution issue. Following light rain on January 1, temperatures are dropping. The forecast predicts a minimum temperature of 8°C. The maximum is expected to be around 16°C.

Airlines face significant operational challenges during the winter months. The combination of fog and smog creates a persistent, hazardous condition. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates strict adherence to LVP. This ensures passenger safety remains the top priority. Stakeholders must remain vigilant. Travelers should check flight status frequently for the latest updates. For more on the industry's response to weather challenges, visit our latest commercial aviation news updates. The sustained poor visibility will likely continue to affect the busy morning schedule. Further delays and cancellations are possible as the cold spell continues.