Dense fog engulfed Delhi-NCR on December 29, 2025, slashing visibility and disrupting air travel with nearly 200 flights delayed and 6 cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Operations shifted to low-visibility CAT III mode amid ongoing winter haze
Thick fog reduced runway visibility to under 200 meters early morning, triggering advisories from Delhi Airport (DIAL). Airlines like IndiGo and Air India activated contingency plans, with ground staff aiding stranded passengers. This follows a pattern of disruptions across North India during peak fog season (Dec-Feb).
Key Highlights
Flight Disruptions: ~200 delays, 6 cancellations; average departure hold at 45-50 minutes per Flightradar24 data.
Operational Mode: CAT III landings active, enabling precision approaches but slowing throughput; non-compliant flights grounded.
Broader Effects: Trains delayed 2-3 hours; road travel slowed; AQI in 'severe' zone exacerbating haze.
IMD Forecast: Dense fog persists till Dec 30 morning; western disturbances fuel cold wave.
Passenger Advice
Check airline apps for real-time updates; allow extra 2-3 hours for airport transit. Safety prioritized over schedules.
Sources: NDTV (Dec 29, 2025), Economic Times, India Today.