Could Dense Fog Be the Cause of 128 Flight Cancellations at Delhi Airport and Train Delays Across the Country?
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Synopsis
As dense fog blankets Delhi and other regions, the repercussions on air and rail travel are severe. With over 128 flights grounded and multiple trains delayed, thousands of passengers face unexpected inconveniences. Stay informed about the ongoing situation and how it affects travel plans.
Key Takeaways
- 128 flights cancelled at Delhi Airport due to dense fog.
- Visibility dropped to approximately 125 metres.
- Orange alert issued for Delhi and NCR.
- Delays also affected train services across the country.
- Passengers advised to check flight statuses regularly.
New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) Operations for flights and trains across various regions of India faced significant disruptions on Monday due to thick fog, with the Delhi Airport experiencing extensive interruptions, resulting in thousands of passengers being left stranded.
A total of 128 flights were cancelled at Delhi Airport, comprising 64 arrivals and 64 departures. Furthermore, eight flights were redirected, while over 30 flights encountered delays owing to extremely poor visibility. Visibility at the airport plummeted to approximately 125 metres, which greatly affected flight activities.
Flight services in numerous areas were similarly impacted after dense fog reduced visibility, leading to delays and cancellations at several other airports. Passengers were seen waiting for extended periods as a chain reaction of delays caused congestion and discomfort.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has put out an orange alert for dense fog in both Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The region's maximum and minimum temperatures are predicted to linger around 22 degrees Celsius and 7 degrees Celsius, respectively. The weather agency has also issued an orange alert for dense fog in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
In addition, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designated the timeframe from December 10 to February 10, 2026, as the official fog season, during which disruptions due to fog are likely to be common.
In a passenger advisory shared on X, the Delhi Airport authorities informed that flight operations were being conducted under CAT III conditions because of the dense fog, which could lead to further delays or cancellations. Passengers were encouraged to stay informed by checking their flight status with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Many inbound flights to Delhi were redirected due to the lack of visibility, air traffic congestion, and operational delays, further aggravating passenger inconvenience. Airlines also issued notifications advising travelers about potential cancellations and delays.
IndiGo, in a post on X, reported that dense fog in Jammu continued to impact visibility, affecting flights to and from that region. The airline noted that, subject to weather conditions and operational viability, some services might experience delays or cancellations.
SpiceJet provided its last update around midnight, alerting passengers of disruptions in Kolkata.
"Due to adverse weather (poor visibility) in Kolkata (CCU), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may be affected. Passengers are advised to monitor their flight status," the airline stated.
Rail services were also influenced by foggy weather, with multiple trains running behind schedule. Delayed trains included the Mahabodhi Superfast Express (12397), Vikramshila Express (12367), Arunachal Express (22411), Lucknow–New Delhi AC Superfast Express (12429), Bareilly–New Delhi Intercity Express (14315), Muzaffarpur–Porbandar Express (19270), and Katra–Kota Weekly Express (19894), among others.
According to the IMD, a western disturbance is anticipated to influence north India, with Delhi possibly experiencing partially cloudy skies on the evening of December 31. Light rain is also forecasted in parts of Delhi-NCR on January 1. The weather agency has issued an alert for severe cold and dense fog conditions in the Delhi-NCR region as the New Year approaches.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of staying informed during disruptive weather events like dense fog. Such occurrences remind us of the unpredictability of nature and the need for passengers to be proactive in checking travel updates. Our focus remains on providing timely information and ensuring safety during such challenging conditions.
NationPress
03/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were flights cancelled at Delhi Airport?
Flights were cancelled due to dense fog that drastically reduced visibility at the airport, leading to operational challenges.
What other areas were affected by the fog?
Several regions across India experienced delays and cancellations in flight and train services due to similar fog conditions.
Is there an alert for the weather conditions?
Yes, the India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for dense fog in Delhi and surrounding areas.
What should passengers do if their flight is affected?
Passengers are advised to check their flight status with their airline and remain updated about any changes.
Will the fog impact travel in the coming days?
Yes, the fog season is expected to persist through February 10, 2026, leading to potential travel disruptions.
