Overview: Dense fog halts travel across Delhi-NCR
An unprecedented blanket of fog swept over Delhi-NCR and large parts of northern India, forcing widespread travel disruptions on Saturday. At Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), authorities reported the cancellation of 129 flights as visibility plummeted and scheduling became untenable for many carriers. The weather phenomenon, characterized by low-lying mist and heavy haze, affected domestic and international operations alike, creating long lines and frustrated travelers at major hubs.
Impact on air travel
The vast majority of cancellations occurred at IGI, where a mix of domestic and international services faced delays or were scrapped outright. Airport officials urged passengers to check flight status and contact their airlines for rebooking policies. Ground handling crews also faced operational challenges as limited visibility slowed taxiing and the timely arrival of aircraft, compounding delays across the terminal complex. Some flights managed to operate with reduced schedules, but many departures and arrivals were delayed by hours, creating ripple effects through feeder connections and onward bookings.
What this means for travelers
For travelers stranded by the fog, the situation demanded flexibility. Airlines generally offered options such as rebooking on the next available flight, credit vouchers, or refunds in cases where cancellations were confirmed. In parallel, many passengers were advised to stay in touch with airline helplines and monitor airport advisories for the latest updates. Airports in neighboring states reported similar weather conditions, increasing the likelihood of missed connections and crowded transit lounges as people adjusted their itineraries.
Rail and road disruptions across northern India
Beyond air travel, extreme fog disrupted rail services across several states, with several trains either running late or cancelled due to reduced visibility and safety concerns. Road traffic also slowed, as motorists navigated dense morning fog, poor lighting, and slick road surfaces. Local authorities urged drivers to use headlights, maintain safe following distances, and avoid non-essential travel in regions most affected by the fog. Commuters relying on public transportation faced delays while long-distance travelers encountered longer journey times as schedules were recalibrated to weather conditions.
Why fog becomes a major travel adversary
The fog is driven by a combination of calm winds, high humidity, and temperature inversions common to winter months in northern India. When nights are clear and air is still, moisture condenses near the ground, forming dense white clouds that dramatically reduce visibility. Airports with busy traffic patterns, like IGI, are particularly sensitive to these conditions, because even small deviations in visibility can trigger widespread cancellations or slowdowns to maintain safety standards.
What authorities are doing and what travelers can expect
Weather agencies and aviation authorities are actively monitoring the fog and issuing advisories to minimize disruption. In some cases, runway and airfield operations can adapt through metering protocols and staggered arrivals, but the severity of the fog can overwhelm even well-prepared systems. Travelers should anticipate potential further interruptions and plan buffer time into their itineraries. If fog persists, authorities may implement temporary restrictions or rerouting measures to maintain safety without compromising overall network reliability.
Looking ahead: forecasting and recovery
Forecast models suggest that fog will gradually ease as the sun climbs higher and winds shift, but residents and travelers are reminded that weather patterns in this region can change quickly. Once visibility improves, the focus will shift to catching up on delayed schedules, processing backlogs, and reuniting stranded travelers with their onward connections. Stakeholders across airlines, railways, and roadway authorities will work together to restore normal operations in the shortest feasible time while prioritizing passenger safety.
In the meantime, passengers are encouraged to: check real-time flight or train statuses, confirm rebooking options with carriers, and allow extra time for travel as networks recover from a fog-driven disruption.
