Dense Fog Grounds 150 Flights at Delhi Airport as India Rings in 2026

Dense fog and severe cold conditions severely impacted air travel across North India as the country welcomed 2026. Delhi airport flight disruptions peaked on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2025. The dense fog caused widespread delays and flight cancellations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI).

At least 150 flights were cancelled at the Delhi hub on December 31 alone. This total included 79 arrivals and 71 departures, according to initial reports. Additionally, over 250 flights faced significant delays, throwing India New Year air travel plans into chaos. The weather system, part of a broader North India cold wave, reduced visibility drastically.

Operational Impact and Airline Response

Visibility at the airport’s Palam area dropped to a critical 50 meters for several hours. This forced airport authorities to implement CAT III operations North India. These specialized procedures allow equipped aircraft to land in extremely low visibility. However, the procedures also slow down the entire air traffic flow.

Major carriers quickly issued Air India travel advisory and similar alerts. Air India, for instance, activated its 'FogCare' initiative. This program offered passengers options to reschedule flights at no extra cost. Full refunds were also provided to those affected by the disruptions.

• IndiGo flight delays were also significant across the network. The carrier stated that impacts could extend into the afternoon hours.
• SpiceJet was another airline that cautioned passengers about possible service disruptions.
• The disruptions caused a ripple effect, impacting international connections from Delhi and Mumbai.

Market Context and Future Resilience

The operational challenge comes during a period of record growth for the Indian aviation sector. Domestic DGCA passenger traffic data showed a historic milestone in November 2025. The monthly passenger count surpassed 15 million for the first time. This figure surpassed the previous record set in December 2024. The sustained demand underscores the need for enhanced airline operational resilience against seasonal weather.

Fleet Modernization and Capacity

India's national carrier, Air India, is moving forward with a major fleet overhaul. The airline is preparing to induct its first factory-fresh Airbus A350-1000 in January 2026. This wide-body jet, part of a large order with Airbus, will feature the carrier's new cabin interiors. The delivery will mark a key step in Air India's long-haul product upgrade.

Fellow carrier IndiGo continues to dominate the domestic market share. However, it also faces challenges managing operational scale. The airline has been working to address crew shortages and implement new flight duty time limits. The severe fog conditions add another layer of complexity to these ongoing operational adjustments.

As the industry looks ahead, the focus remains on minimizing weather-related delays. Authorities and airlines must leverage CAT III technology and improve communication. This is vital to protect the passenger experience during the busy winter season. For more updates on commercial aviation news and market trends, visit flying.flights. The DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) continue to monitor the situation closely.