Delhi flight operations improve as fog eases, but disruptions continue

Delhi-NCR witnessed slightly clear weather on Tuesday morning, with fog conditions improving compared to the dense spell that disrupted normal life a day earlier. Although the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted dense fog, visibility remained better than Monday in most areas. However, pockets such as Sarai Kale Khan experienced a thick layer of smog during the early hours.

Fog Update issued at 0606 hours. Kind attention to all flyers!#Fog#FogAlert#DelhiAirportpic.twitter.com/4sUm3mk8jX

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— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 16, 2025

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) also saw a significant decline on Tuesday morning compared to Monday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app, AQI stood at 381 as of 6.30 am on Tuesday morning, putting it in the ‘very poor' category.

However, the national capital continued to feel the chill as the minimum temperature dropped to around 10 degrees Celsius overnight. Along with cold conditions, Delhi is also battling severe air pollution. In view of the worsening air quality, authorities have enforced Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes strict measures to curb emissions and protect public health.

#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals from the Sarai Kale Khan area as a thick layer of toxic smog blankets the city; GRAP 4 invoked in the national capital. AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 359, categorised as 'very poor', as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control… pic.twitter.com/ADkkDseUj3 — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2025

Monday saw the season’s first major fog spell, which severely affected flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). As visibility dropped sharply, airport operations were thrown into chaos.

A total of 228 flights were cancelled, hundreds faced long delays, and five flights were diverted to other airports. Departures were suspended for nearly six hours until around 10 am, while arrivals were allowed only intermittently due to poor visibility and the lack of parking bays for incoming aircraft.

On Tuesday morning, Delhi Airport issued an update on social media, saying that flight operations were gradually returning to normal but some disruptions could still continue. “Flight operations are steadily recovering but disruptions may persist for certain departures and arrivals. For accurate and timely updates, please contact your airline directly,” Delhi Airport said.

Despite improved visibility on Tuesday, the IMD warned that foggy conditions could persist in the coming days. Acting on the forecast, airlines issued advisories requesting passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

IndiGo, in a post on X, said that winter fog across northern India often slows down flight movements in the early morning hours and urged travellers to plan their journeys accordingly.

“As winter sets in, early mornings across Northern India can bring fog that may occasionally slow down flight movements. We wanted to share this gentle heads-up in advance, so you can plan with ease and check your flight status before heading to the airport,” IndiGo wrote in a post on X.

Air India also issued a detailed advisory, stating that dense fog was expected on December 16, particularly during morning hours. The airline said it had proactively cancelled some flights and activated its “Fog Care” programme, offering affected passengers free rescheduling or full refunds.