Over 400 flights delayed at Delhi airport as dense fog disrupts operations

More than 400 flights were delayed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Friday, December 3, morning due to dense fog, which caused low visibility and disrupted airport operations. According to reports, 73% of the approximate 650 flights departing from the airport experienced delays, with an average delay of 35 minutes. Additionally, 4% of the flights were cancelled.

The thick fog blanket reduced visibility to zero in some areas of the national capital, making it difficult for aircraft to operate smoothly. However, no flights were diverted, despite the disruptions.

Flight tracking website Flightradar24.com reported that 470 flights were delayed. In a statement on X at 11 a.m., Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) confirmed that Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) were still in effect but assured that there had been no significant impact on overall flight operations. Passengers were advised to reach out to their respective airlines for updated flight information.

Update issued at 11:00 hours.

Kind attention to all flyers!#Fog #FogAlert #DelhiAirport pic.twitter.com/I1r1EHphPU

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) January 3, 2025

Earlier, at 6:35 a.m., DIAL noted that while landings and takeoffs were ongoing, flights that were not CAT III compliant could be impacted. CAT III facilities enable aircraft to operate in low-visibility conditions, ensuring safe takeoffs and landings during such weather events.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the visibility at the airport dropped to zero metres due to very dense fog. It further confirmed that all runways were operating under CAT III, ensuring that operations continued despite the challenging weather.

IGIA, managed by DIAL, handles approximately 1,300 flight movements each day.

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