Fog Disrupts North India Air Traffic as Aviation Ministry Orders Strict Passenger Care Compliance

Severe winter fog across large parts of northern India significantly disrupted air travel on Tuesday, prompting the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to issue fresh directions to airlines to strictly follow passenger facilitation norms. The advisory comes amid widespread flight cancellations, diversions and delays, particularly at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the busiest aviation hubs in the country.

Government Steps In Amid Travel Disruptions

In an official statement, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said it is closely monitoring flight operations affected by persistent low-visibility conditions and has instructed airlines to prioritise passenger welfare. The ministry urged travellers to regularly check their flight status, stay in touch with airlines, and plan for additional travel time during the fog-prone winter period.

According to MoCA, airlines have been reminded of their obligations under passenger charter norms. These include timely communication of flight updates, provision of meals during extended delays, alternative booking arrangements or refunds in case of cancellations, baggage assistance, and quick grievance redressal. The ministry also reiterated that passengers who report on time should not be denied boarding due to operational disruptions.

Delhi Airport Sees Cancellations and Diversions

The advisory follows major operational challenges at Delhi airport on Tuesday. Airport officials confirmed that 118 flights were cancelled—60 arriving services and 58 departures—while 16 flights were diverted to other airports. In addition, around 130 flights were delayed due to poor visibility.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates the airport, said flight operations were continuing, but aircraft and crews not certified for CAT III operations could face restrictions. CAT III systems enable aircraft to land safely in extremely low visibility and are critical during north India’s dense fog season.

Airlines and AAI Activate Ground Support

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) said it has activated special passenger assistance measures and deployed additional staff at affected airports to help stranded travellers. In a social media update, AAI reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and smoother airport operations during adverse weather.

Several airlines also issued advisories. Air India said it is proactively managing operations and has deployed ground staff at key airport touchpoints to assist passengers facing delays, diversions or cancellations. The airline highlighted its “FogCare” initiative, under which passengers on select flights receive advance alerts and are offered the option to reschedule without extra charges or seek a full refund.

Low-cost carriers and regional airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air and others, shared customer support contact details to assist passengers in real time.

Why Fog Disruptions Matter

Winter fog is a recurring challenge for aviation in north India, particularly between December and January. Despite improvements in navigation technology and airport infrastructure, fog continues to impact schedules, passenger confidence and airline costs. Experts note that consistent enforcement of passenger rights and transparent communication are critical to maintaining trust during weather-related disruptions.

Aviation analysts also point out that fog-related delays have a cascading effect on national flight schedules, as aircraft and crew rotations are disrupted across multiple airports.

Dense Fog and Air Quality Concerns

The flight disruptions coincided with dense fog blanketing Delhi early Tuesday morning, sharply reducing visibility. While air quality showed marginal improvement, pollution levels remained hazardous. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app showed the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 388, still in the ‘very poor’ category, down slightly from 401 a day earlier. Sixteen monitoring stations recorded ‘severe’ air quality levels.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 9.4°C and issued an ‘orange’ alert, warning of very dense fog conditions likely to persist. Forecasts suggest air quality may remain poor over the coming days.

Looking Ahead

With peak winter conditions continuing, authorities expect intermittent disruptions to air travel across north India. The aviation ministry has stressed that while safety remains paramount, airlines must ensure passengers are treated fairly and supported throughout the disruption. For travellers, officials advise flexibility, early planning, and constant monitoring of flight updates until weather conditions improve.