New Delhi: Delhi witnessed severe disruption on Monday as dense fog blanketed the national capital, drastically reducing visibility and impacting flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The situation worsened air quality levels, pushing them back into the “severe” category, raising concerns for residents.
According to officials and data from flight-tracking website Flightradar24, at least 128 flights were cancelled, eight were diverted, and nearly 200 flights were delayed due to poor visibility caused by thick fog.
IMD Issues Red Alert for Dense Fog
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘Red Alert’ for dense fog for Tuesday morning, warning of extremely low visibility conditions across Delhi and adjoining areas.
The IMD reported that visibility at IGI Airport and Safdarjung dropped to just 50 metres at around 8 am, improving slightly to 100 metres by 9 am. Such conditions severely affected both domestic and international flight schedules.
Airport Operating Under Category-III Conditions
Due to the foggy conditions, the Delhi airport is currently operating under Category-III Instrument Landing System (ILS) conditions. This system allows aircraft equipped with special technology and trained pilots to land safely in very low visibility. However, not all flights meet these requirements, leading to widespread delays and cancellations.
Airport authorities advised passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport and remain in contact with airlines for real-time updates.
DGCA Declares Official Fog Season
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially declared the period from December 10 to February 10, 2026, as the fog season window. During this time, fog-related flight disruptions are expected to remain frequent, especially during early morning and late-night hours.
Air Quality Worsens Across Delhi
Along with fog, air quality levels deteriorated sharply, with several monitoring stations reporting AQI in the severe category. Health experts have advised people, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, to avoid outdoor activities and wear masks when necessary.
What to Expect Next
Meteorologists have warned that dense fog conditions may persist over the next few days, potentially affecting rail and road transport as well. Commuters are advised to drive cautiously and allow extra travel time.