Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) were significantly disrupted on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, as dense fog and low visibility conditions led to widespread delays and cancellations, affecting hundreds of passengers during the peak winter travel period.

According to airport officials, at least 10 flights were cancelled for the day, comprising six arriving flights and four departing flights, while more than 270 flights experienced delays as weather conditions hampered safe aircraft movements.

Fog disrupts early morning operations

The disruption began in the early hours of Tuesday when thick fog reduced visibility levels across the national capital, impacting runway operations at India’s busiest airport. Low visibility procedures were implemented, resulting in slower aircraft movements, delayed take-offs, and extended waiting times on taxiways.

An official confirmed that while flight operations continued, the weather conditions necessitated greater caution, leading to delays across multiple domestic and international routes.

Significant delays across departures

Data available from flight tracking services indicated that over 270 flights were delayed, with the average delay time for departing flights recorded at approximately 29 minutes. Several flights experienced longer delays depending on destination, aircraft type, and runway availability.

Passengers reported congestion at departure terminals, especially during the morning travel window, as airlines worked to reschedule flights and manage aircraft rotation.

Airport operator issues advisory

In a public advisory, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) stated that visibility conditions were gradually improving but warned travellers of possible delays.

“Visibility at the airport is improving; however, flight departures for certain destinations may experience delay,” DIAL said in a post on social media.

The airport operator urged passengers to remain in touch with their respective airlines for updated flight information and to plan for additional time while travelling to the airport.

Impact magnified by high traffic volume

The Indira Gandhi International Airport handles around 1,300 flight movements daily, including domestic, international, and cargo operations. Even minor weather disruptions can therefore have a cascading effect across airline schedules, leading to widespread delays throughout the day.

Given the high volume of traffic, fog-related disruptions often result in aircraft being held back at origin airports, crew duty time challenges, and delays in inbound aircraft that affect subsequent departures.

Winter fog a recurring challenge

Fog-related disruptions are a recurring winter challenge for aviation operations in north India, particularly between December and January. During this period, low temperatures and high moisture levels contribute to reduced visibility, especially during early morning and late-night hours.

Despite advancements in CAT III instrument landing systems that allow aircraft to land in low visibility, take-offs and ground movements often remain affected, leading to operational slowdowns.

Airlines activate contingency measures

Airlines operating out of Delhi activated contingency protocols to manage the disruption, including adjusting departure slots, consolidating flights, and re-accommodating passengers on later services where possible.

Some carriers also issued travel advisories, encouraging passengers to check flight status before leaving for the airport and to consider flexible travel options.

Passenger inconvenience and airport congestion

The delays caused inconvenience to passengers, particularly those with connecting flights or tight schedules. Long queues were reported at airline help desks as travellers sought rebooking assistance and updates.

However, airport officials stated that ground staff were deployed across terminals to assist passengers and manage crowd movement during peak hours.

Safety remains priority

Aviation experts emphasised that flight delays due to fog are primarily a safety-driven decision, with pilots and air traffic controllers prioritising visibility and runway conditions over schedule adherence.

“While modern navigation systems help reduce cancellations, safety margins cannot be compromised, especially during take-offs,” an aviation analyst said.

Gradual improvement expected

As temperatures rise during the day, visibility conditions are expected to improve, allowing airlines to gradually clear the backlog of delayed flights. However, officials cautioned that residual delays could continue into the evening depending on weather patterns.

Passengers travelling later in the day were advised to remain alert to schedule changes and stay in communication with airlines.

Broader impact on air travel network

Disruptions at Delhi airport often have a knock-on effect across the national aviation network, as the airport serves as a major hub for domestic and international connections. Delays at IGIA can impact flight schedules in other cities, particularly on routes with high aircraft utilisation.

Conclusion

The fog-induced disruption at Delhi airport on December 23, 2025, highlights the continued challenges posed by winter weather to air travel in northern India. With over 270 flights delayed and 10 cancelled, hundreds of passengers faced inconvenience despite improving visibility conditions later in the day.

As winter intensifies, travellers passing through Delhi are advised to plan ahead, monitor flight updates closely, and allow extra time for airport procedures to minimise the impact of weather-related delays.

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