Why Dense Fog and 'Very Poor' Air Quality Crippled North India Flight Schedules

January 1, 2026 at 08:43 AM•3 min read

Airlines across North and East India, including IndiGo and Air India, issued advisories as dense fog and 'very poor' air quality caused widespread flight disruptions.

Key Points

1Over 150 flights were cancelled and hundreds delayed at Delhi's IGI Airport due to dense fog and low visibility conditions.
2Flight operations at Delhi, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati airports were forced to use CAT III protocols to manage low visibility.
3Air India activated its 'FogCare' initiative, offering complimentary rescheduling or full refunds to passengers on flights likely to be affected.
4The dense fog was compounded by Delhi's 'very poor' Air Quality Index (AQI 372), which prolongs the low visibility period.

Dense fog and low temperatures severely impacted flight operations across northern and eastern India on Thursday. The weather conditions sharply reduced visibility. This prompted major airlines to issue travel advisories for passengers.

Disruptions were reported at several key airports. These included Delhi, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati. Airlines cautioned travelers to check their flight status. They advised passengers to remain alert to avoid major inconvenience.

Operational Impact at Major Hubs

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport was significantly affected. Visibility dropped to critical levels. This forced operations to continue under CAT III protocols. This advanced system allows landings in extremely low visibility. However, it still slows aircraft movement greatly. On a recent day, the airport saw over 150 flights cancelled. Hundreds more were delayed due to the dense fog. The cascading effect of these delays impacts the entire network.

Airline Responses and Passenger Care

Air India issued an early advisory on social media. The airline warned that low visibility could disrupt flight schedules. They highlighted their 'FogCare' initiative. This program provides advanced alerts to affected passengers. It offers complimentary rescheduling or a full refund option. This proactive step helps to ease airport congestion.

IndiGo also flagged weather-related issues. The carrier specifically noted impacts in Ranchi and Bhubaneswar. They also alerted travelers to slower aircraft movement at Guwahati airport. SpiceJet informed passengers about adverse weather in Ayodhya and Dharamshala. All carriers urged passengers to use official channels for updates.

Regulatory and Environmental Context

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) manages these seasonal challenges. The DGCA designated December 10 to February 10 as the official winter fog season. During this time, airlines must deploy CAT-III compliant aircraft. Pilots must also be trained for low-visibility operations. This regulatory framework is crucial for maintaining safety.

The dense fog in Delhi was worsened by environmental factors. The national capital began the New Year under a thick blanket of fog and pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 372, which is in the "very poor" category. This high pollution level compounds the fog's severity. It makes low visibility conditions last much longer. This combined effect presents a significant operational challenge for the aviation sector.

The DGCA has designated December 10 to February 10 as the official fog season.
Delhi's IGI Airport operates under CAT III protocols during low visibility, slowing movements.
Air India's 'FogCare' offers complimentary rescheduling or full refunds for affected flights.
The 'very poor' Air Quality Index (AQI 372-384) in Delhi exacerbates the fog's persistence.

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