As dense fog continues to engulf large parts of Northern India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a heavy fog alert, cautioning air travelers and emphasizing that passenger safety remains the top priority. The weather conditions have significantly disrupted flight operations, especially in the national capital, Delhi.
✈️ Travel Advisory and Flight Disruptions
On Monday, the civil aviation ministry urged passengers to check the latest status of their flights before heading to the airport. Low visibility caused by thick fog has led to widespread disruptions across northern airports.
According to Delhi Airport authorities:
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40 flights have been cancelled
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4 flights have been diverted due to poor visibility
In an official statement shared on social media, the ministry said that Air Traffic Control (ATC), along with ground and operational teams, are working tirelessly to minimize passenger inconvenience. Travelers have also been requested to allow extra travel time while commuting to airports.
🌫️ Dense Fog Impacts Airport Operations
Delhi (DEL) and several other airports in Northern India are currently experiencing severely reduced visibility. Due to these conditions, flight operations at Delhi Airport are being conducted under CAT III conditions, which allow aircraft to land in extremely low visibility but can still result in delays and cancellations.
Airport officials noted that while operations are continuing, safety protocols may slow down traffic until visibility improves.
📢 Airline Advisories to Passengers
Leading airlines have issued advisories to keep passengers informed:
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IndiGo stated that low visibility and fog over Delhi are impacting flight schedules and advised passengers to monitor weather and flight updates closely.
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Air India requested travelers to stay updated via its official website or mobile application and assured passengers that dedicated teams are available at airports to assist and ensure smoother travel.
Both airlines cautioned that schedules may change at short notice due to weather conditions.
🌍 Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens Alongside Fog
Visibility issues were further compounded by severe air pollution in Delhi. A thick layer of smog and fog covered the city on Monday morning, pushing air quality to alarming levels.
Key air quality data:
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Wazirpur recorded the maximum AQI of 500
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Delhi’s average AQI stood at 461 on Sunday
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Out of 40 monitoring stations:
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38 reported ‘severe’ air quality
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2 reported ‘very poor’ air quality
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Jahangirpuri recorded the worst AQI at 498
📊 Understanding Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI levels are classified as follows:
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0–50: Good
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51–100: Satisfactory
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101–200: Moderate
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201–300: Poor
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301–400: Very Poor
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401–500: Severe
🧭 What Flyers Should Keep in Mind
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Check flight status before leaving for the airport
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Allow extra travel time due to possible delays
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Follow airline advisories and airport announcements
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Monitor official airline apps and websites for real-time updates
📝 Final Thoughts
With dense fog and hazardous air quality continuing to affect Northern India, air travel is expected to remain uncertain in the short term. While airlines and airport authorities are taking all necessary measures to ensure safety, passengers may still face delays and cancellations. Staying informed, planning ahead, and exercising patience will be key for travelers navigating these challenging conditions. Safety, as emphasized by the civil aviation ministry, remains the highest priority.