Dense fog has once again thrown North India's aviation sector into disarray, causing significant delays and cancellations for air travellers. Major airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have been forced to issue advisories warning passengers of ongoing schedule disruptions due to dangerously poor visibility.
Visibility Drops, Airlines Scramble
The situation reached a critical point on the morning of Thursday, December 18, 2025. In the national capital, visibility dropped to a mere 100 metres, with temperatures recorded at 10 degrees Celsius, according to data from the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS). This severe weather condition has made flight operations hazardous, leading to a cascade of cancellations and delays across the region's airports.
Air India was among the first to alert passengers, stating that the primary impact would be felt at its Delhi hub. However, the airline warned that the ripple effect of these disruptions could spread to other cities within its network. In a post on social media platform X, the carrier outlined its response plan under the 'FogCare' initiative.
Passengers booked on flights likely to be affected will receive advance alerts and will have the option to reschedule without extra charges or request a full refund without penalty. The airline has also assured that ground staff will be available round-the-clock to assist with alternative arrangements.
IndiGo and SpiceJet Face Operational Challenges
The fog has delivered a double blow to IndiGo, which was already grappling with flight cancellations due to separate operational issues and a government-mandated 10% cut to its winter schedule. The airline confirmed that dense fog in Chandigarh severely reduced visibility, impacting operations. As a safety precaution, IndiGo has proactively cancelled several flights throughout the day to prevent extended waits for passengers at airports.
Similarly, SpiceJet issued a warning on Wednesday night regarding adverse conditions at Varanasi (VNS) airport. The airline cautioned that all arrivals, departures, and their connecting flights could be affected due to the poor visibility. SpiceJet has urged all customers to monitor their flight status regularly for the latest updates.
Travel Chaos Expected to Continue
The consensus among airlines and weather observers is that the travel turmoil is not a one-day event. The dense fog conditions are predicted to persist over the next few days, meaning flight schedules at key airports in northern and eastern India will remain vulnerable. Passengers travelling through this region are strongly advised to:
- Check their flight status directly with the airline before heading to the airport.
- Review the specific fog-related policies, like Air India's FogCare, for rebooking or refund options.
- Allow for considerable extra time for their journeys, anticipating possible delays.
This recurring annual weather phenomenon continues to test the preparedness and resilience of India's aviation infrastructure, leaving thousands of passengers in limbo during the peak travel season.
