Civil Aviation Ministry Issues Heavy Fog Alert in Northern India Amid Disrupted Flight Operations

By John Pranay (Editor)

Heavy fog has enveloped northern India, severely impacting flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and other airports in the region. The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a heavy fog alert, warning of dense fog that has reduced visibility and disrupted flight schedules. Over 75 flights have been affected, with several delayed and some cancelled as airlines adjust their schedules to prioritize passenger safety.

The situation unfolded on Monday morning as dense fog and smog enveloped the National Capital Region, sharply reducing visibility and impacting air traffic. The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a heavy fog alert, advising passengers to check their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport, monitor updates on airport websites or apps, and allow extra travel time. Airport authorities, including the Airports Authority of India, flagged possible disruptions due to reduced visibility and potential impact on flight operations. Airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, issued advisories, urging passengers to plan their journeys carefully and stay updated on flight status.

• December 15, 2025: The Ministry of Civil Aviation issues a heavy fog alert for northern India, warning of dense fog that has severely affected visibility at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and other airports in the region.

• December 15, 2025: Over 75 flights are affected, with several delayed and some cancelled as airlines adjust their schedules to prioritize passenger safety.

• December 15, 2025: Airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, issue advisories, urging passengers to plan their journeys carefully and stay updated on flight status.

• December 15, 2025: The Airports Authority of India flags possible disruptions due to reduced visibility and potential impact on flight operations.

This is not the first time that dense fog has disrupted flight operations in northern India. In 2019, a severe fog warning was issued for Delhi and surrounding areas, resulting in the cancellation of over 100 flights. Similarly, in 2020, dense fog led to the diversion of several flights to nearby airports. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been working to improve air traffic management and reduce the impact of adverse weather conditions on flight operations.

The situation is expected to improve as the fog clears, but passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly and plan their journeys accordingly. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has urged airlines to prioritize passenger safety and minimize disruptions. Upcoming flights are expected to be affected, and passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information.

This incident highlights the challenges of operating in a region prone to adverse weather conditions. The pace of change in air traffic management is slow, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and airlines still grappling with the impact of fog on flight operations. Crucially, this overlooks the need for more robust air traffic management systems and better infrastructure to mitigate the effects of fog. This suggests that the Indian aviation sector needs to invest in more advanced technologies and infrastructure to improve air traffic management and reduce the impact of adverse weather conditions on flight operations.

Assessment: Neutral.

1. Civil Aviation Ministry issues alert for northern India airports amid dense fog, travellers advised to check flights — https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/civil-aviation-ministry-issues-alert-for-northern-india-airports-amid-dense-fog-travellers-advised-to-check-flights/article70398395.ece

2. Delhi airport under CAT III due to dense fog, over 75 flights affected — https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/delhi-airport-under-cat-iii-due-to-dense-fog-over-75-flights-affected-13725096.html

3. Heavy Fog Alert for Northern India: Ministry of Civil Aviation Issues Advisory for passengers — https://www.rozanaspokesman.com/news/nation/151225/heavy-fog-alert-for-northern-india-ministry-of-civil-aviation-issues.html

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.