Dense fog blanketed the national capital on Friday, severely disrupting air travel at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The adverse weather conditions led to significant flight schedule chaos, impacting hundreds of passengers during the morning hours.
Widespread Flight Disruptions and Delays
Data from the flight tracking website Flightradar24.com revealed the extent of the disruption. A total of 79 flights were cancelled due to the low visibility caused by the fog. Beyond the cancellations, the ripple effect was felt across the airport's schedule, with more than 230 flights experiencing delays. The data indicated that the average delay for departing flights stretched to 49 minutes, causing considerable inconvenience to travelers.
Airport's Proactive Communication
Delhi Airport authorities were active in communicating the situation to passengers. The official handle, @DelhiAirport, issued an update at 13:05 hours, urging flyers to pay attention to the evolving situation. Their social media post carried hashtags like #Fog, #FogAlert, and #DelhiAirport to spread awareness. This real-time communication is crucial during such weather-related disruptions, helping passengers make informed decisions about their travel plans.
Navigating Winter Travel Challenges
Such fog-related disruptions are a recurring challenge for Delhi and other parts of North India during the winter months. The incident on December 19, 2025, underscores the vulnerability of air travel to weather phenomena. Passengers are consistently advised to take several precautionary steps during this season:
- Check their flight status directly with the airline before heading to the airport.
- Allow for extra travel time to account for potential road and air delays.
- Monitor official airport social media channels for live updates and advisories.
While airport operations gradually normalize as visibility improves, the day's events highlight the importance of preparedness for both aviation authorities and passengers facing India's winter fog season.
