Operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were severely disrupted on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, as a thick blanket of fog and poor visibility conditions brought air traffic to a near standstill. The adverse weather led to significant travel chaos, affecting hundreds of passengers during the peak holiday season.
Widespread Disruption and Official Directives
Against the challenging backdrop of dense fog, the Civil Aviation Ministry stepped in, issuing clear instructions to all airlines. Authorities mandated that carriers must strictly comply with established norms for passenger facilitation. This directive underscores the government's focus on minimizing passenger inconvenience during such unavoidable weather-related disruptions. The ministry's intervention highlights the critical need for airlines to provide timely information, refreshments, and accommodation as per regulations when flights are delayed or cancelled.
Scale of the Cancellations and Diversions
The impact of the low visibility was stark. Official reports confirmed that a staggering 118 flights were cancelled throughout the day. Furthermore, the conditions were so severe that 16 incoming flights had to be diverted to alternative airports, as pilots were unable to execute safe landings in Delhi. The cascading effect of these disruptions led to long delays, crowded terminals, and considerable uncertainty for travelers.
Passenger Advisory and Looking Ahead
Passengers are strongly advised to check their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport. While the ministry's orders aim to ensure better handling of such situations, the incident underscores the perennial challenge that winter fog poses to North Indian aviation. Airport authorities and meteorological departments continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping for improved visibility in the coming days to restore normalcy to the flight schedule.
