Introduction
Early this morning, a thick blanket of fog settled over the National Capital Region, reducing visibility to less than 100 metres and prompting a surge in air‑quality alerts. The sudden drop in sightlines forced the country’s three largest domestic carriers—Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet—to issue urgent advisories and suspend or delay numerous flights. Passengers at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) faced long queues, last‑minute cancellations, and a scramble for alternative transport. This article examines the meteorological trigger, airline responses, passenger impact, regulatory actions, and what the coming days may hold for Delhi’s skies.
Fog conditions and visibility
The fog, driven by a combination of sub‑zero temperatures and high humidity, blanketed Delhi with visibility levels that fell below the minimum operational threshold for most commercial aircraft. The India Meteorological Department reported visibility of 50‑80 metres in the early hours, with particulate matter (PM2.5) exceeding 250 µg/m³, intensifying the low‑visibility scenario. Such conditions compel pilots to rely heavily on instrument landing systems, and even then, safety protocols demand stricter spacing and reduced approach speeds.
Airlines issue advisories
Within minutes of the fog’s onset, the three carriers released coordinated statements. Air India announced a partial suspension of outbound flights from Delhi, citing “unforeseeable low‑visibility conditions.” IndiGo warned of “significant delays” for both inbound and outbound services, while SpiceJet declared a “temporary halt” for all Delhi‑originating departures until visibility improves. The advisories emphasized passenger safety, operational feasibility, and compliance with DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) guidelines.
Impact on passengers and airports
By 09:00 IST, IGIA reported over 1,200 passengers stranded across terminals, with queues extending beyond the check‑in counters. The airport’s ground‑handling teams worked overtime to re‑accommodate passengers on later flights, but limited gate availability compounded the bottleneck. A snapshot of the disruption, as of 12:00 IST, is shown below:
| Airline | Flights scheduled | Flights delayed | Flights cancelled | Average delay (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | 34 | 22 | 6 | 2.4 |
| IndiGo | 58 | 41 | 5 | 3.1 |
| SpiceJet | 27 | 20 | 4 | 2.8 |
Beyond the numbers, passengers reported missed connections, loss of business hours, and heightened anxiety. Many resorted to rail or road alternatives, further straining Delhi’s already congested transport network.
Response from authorities
The DGCA, in coordination with the Airport Authority of India (AAI), issued a joint notice urging airlines to prioritize safety over schedule adherence. Ground‑control teams increased the spacing between aircraft, and ATC deployed additional radar monitoring to manage the reduced visual cues. The Delhi government also activated its emergency communication channels, disseminating real‑time updates via the official portal and mobile alerts.
Looking ahead
Meteorologists predict that the fog may lift by late afternoon as temperatures rise, but residual haze could keep visibility marginal for several more hours. Airlines have signaled a gradual resumption of services, with contingency plans to re‑book affected passengers and provide compensation where applicable. Travelers are advised to monitor airline notifications, keep an eye on the live flight tracker, and consider flexible booking options for the next 48 hours.
Conclusion
Delhi’s sudden fog episode underscores the fragility of air travel in the face of extreme weather and air‑quality events. While safety‑first directives from Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet limited potential accidents, the cascading effect on passengers, airport operations, and the broader transport ecosystem was significant. Coordinated actions by regulators, airlines, and the city’s emergency services mitigated the worst outcomes, yet the episode serves as a reminder for travelers to stay vigilant and for operators to refine low‑visibility protocols. As visibility improves, the focus will shift to restoring normal schedules and addressing the backlog of disrupted journeys.
Image by: Daria Obymaha
https://www.pexels.com/@dariaobymaha
