Dense Fog Chokes North India Air Travel: Which Airlines Issued New Flight Advisories?

December 28, 2025 at 05:58 AM•2 min read

India's major airlines issued travel advisories after dense fog flight disruptions across North India delayed flights and trains on Sunday, following an IMD yellow alert.

Key Points

1Dense fog and cold wave conditions triggered a yellow alert from the IMD for Delhi on Sunday, causing widespread travel chaos.
2Delhi Airport (DEL) activated CAT III Low Visibility Procedures (LVP), leading to delays for over ten flights and necessitating specialized pilot/aircraft compliance.
3Major airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India, issued advisories for multiple North Indian cities, urging passengers to check their flight status.
4Rail services were severely affected, with over four dozen trains delayed, including one running nearly nine hours behind schedule.

A thick blanket of dense fog caused significant flight disruptions across North India air travel on Sunday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Delhi. This warning signaled dense fog and cold wave conditions in the region.

Reduced visibility severely impacted both air and rail traffic. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) activated Low Visibility Procedures (LVP). This is a standard safety measure for winter weather operations.

Aviation Operations Under Low Visibility

Airport operations were conducted under CAT III conditions. This allows equipped aircraft to land in extremely low visibility. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates this during the official winter fog window. Airlines must use CAT-III compliant aircraft. They must also roster pilots trained for these specific conditions.

Major carriers quickly issued airline travel advisories. IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India cautioned passengers about possible delays. Cities like Delhi, Amritsar, and Varanasi were specifically mentioned. IndiGo advised that the fog was causing slower flight movements. This resulted in short delays across their network. More than ten flights at Delhi Airport were reported behind schedule.

For the latest updates on commercial aviation news, passengers should check their flight status check directly with their airline.

Rail and Regional Impact

The fog’s impact extended far beyond air traffic. Train service delays were severe across the northern plains. Reports indicated over four dozen trains were running behind schedule. As a safety measure, railway officials reduced train speeds. This caused major inconvenience for many passengers. Some of the worst delays included the Rewa-Anand Vihar Express, delayed by nearly nine hours.

Air quality was also a concern in the capital. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the very poor category. The combined effect of pollution and fog further reduced visibility.

Industry Response and Outlook

Global aviation bodies, such as the IATA, stress the importance of robust LVP. These procedures ensure safety remains the top priority during adverse weather. Manufacturers like Boeing design modern aircraft with advanced systems. These systems aid pilots in navigating low visibility environments. However, ground operations still face severe limitations. Stakeholders must coordinate closely to minimize disruption. Passengers are urged to arrive early and remain flexible with their travel plans. For more in-depth commercial aviation news and analysis, visit our dedicated coverage at flying.flights.