Flight services at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were disrupted on Monday morning due to dense fog, with 128 flights cancelled and eight others diverted, The Indian Express reported citing airport sources. 

The cancellations included 64 arriving and 64 departing flights at the country’s busiest airport, while eight flights had to be diverted as visibility fell sharply across the national capital and several parts of northern India, the report said.

Over 80 IndiGo flights cancelled, airline issues fresh advisory

As many as 84 IndiGo flights were cancelled on Monday, as bad weather and dense fog continued to disrupt air travel across several parts of the country. Both departures and arrivals were affected, with northern India facing the maximum impact as low visibility conditions persisted, according to the airline’s website as of 12:00 pm.

In eastern and northeastern India, IndiGo flights operating via Bagdogra Airport and Donyi Polo Airport, Hollongi (Itanagar region) were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, while a few services involving Pantnagar Airport were suspended following weather-related advisories. Meanwhile, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, saw limited disruption, with a few flights cancelled due to forecasted bad weather at destination airports.

Apart from weather-related issues, a small number of flights on the Ahmedabad–Raipur, Ahmedabad–Amritsar and return sectors were cancelled for operational reasons, according to the airline’s flight status update.

IndiGo issued a fresh travel advisory at 11:20 am on Monday, warning passengers about continued foggy conditions across Delhi and several airports in northern India. The airline said visibility has not improved fully yet and the impact on flight operations is likely to continue into the noon hours, with some delays expected.

“Foggy conditions remain in place across Delhi and several airports in northern India, with visibility yet to improve fully. As a result, the earlier impact on flight movements is likely to extend into the noon hours, and some delays may continue, the advisory reads.

Ministry of Civil Aviation issues advisory

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has also issued a fog advisory, cautioning passengers about possible disruptions. 

“Due to fog conditions across parts of Northern India, flight operations at select airports may be impacted, leading to possible delays. Passengers are advised to stay updated through official airline communication channels, allow additional time for airport arrival and check-in procedures, and plan their travel accordingly,” the ministry said. 

Air India, SpiceJet also issue travel advisories 

Major airlines, including Air India and SpiceJet have also issued travel advisories for Monday, warning passengers of continued disruption due to dense fog and low visibility across parts of northern and eastern India. Travellers, especially those flying in the early morning hours, have been advised to be prepared for delays, diversions or cancellations.

Air India has warned that dense fog and low visibility forecast for early morning hours across parts of northern India, including Delhi, may disrupt flight operations. The airline said it has taken proactive measures to reduce inconvenience to passengers, but delays, diversions or cancellations may still occur if weather conditions worsen unexpectedly.

“We encourage you to check your flight status here before heading to the airport and allow extra time for your journey,” it said.

SpiceJet has alerted passengers that poor visibility due to bad weather in Kolkata may impact flight operations. “Due to bad weather (poor visibility) in Kolkata (CCU), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may be affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status,” the SpiceJet advisory reads.

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IGI Airport issues travel advisory

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has also issued a travel advisory saying flight operations were being carried out under CAT III instrument landing system conditions because of low visibility. Passengers were cautioned about possible delays and cancellations.

“Flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III conditions due to dense fog, which may result in delays and cancellations. Our ground teams are actively assisting passengers to ensure smooth travel. We sincerely regret for any inconvenience caused,” the airport said in its advisory.

Apart from weather-related issues, a small number of flights on the Ahmedabad–Raipur, Ahmedabad–Amritsar and return sectors were cancelled for operational reasons, according to the airline’s flight status update.

Chaos at Ahmedabad Airport

An Air India Express flight that departed from Goa’s Mopa Airport at 11:55 pm and was scheduled to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 1 at 2:35 am was diverted to Ahmedabad. The diversion took place as Jaipur Airport was already congested due to multiple flights being rerouted there amid foggy conditions, news agency ANI reported.

Scenes of chaos were witnessed at Ahmedabad Airport, where dense fog led to several diversions and delays. Visuals from the airport showed crowded terminals, with passengers seen arguing over refunds and accommodation arrangements.

IMD issues orange alert for Delhi

Visibility in the national capital dropped sharply on Monday, as a thick layer of fog enveloped Delhi. The poor weather disrupted flight operations and led to advisories from both the airport operator and airlines. 

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for very dense fog, while forecasting maximum and minimum temperatures of around 22 degrees Celsius and 7 degrees Celsius, respectively.