Delhi Weather Alert: Dense Fog Triggers Flight Delays, IMD Issues Yellow Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Delhi and the surrounding NCR region under a yellow alert for Saturday, warning of dense fog conditions during the early morning hours that could significantly lower visibility.
The weather agency said minimum temperatures are likely to fall further, settling between 6°C and 8°C, compared with 9°C recorded on Friday, indicating a sharper chill across the region. The IMD cautioned that fog intensity may increase briefly at daybreak, creating difficult conditions for commuters.
Fog Disrupts Travel, Airlines Issue Advisories
Dense fog conditions are likely to hamper movement across roads, railways and airports, particularly during the early morning hours, prompting authorities to urge commuters to exercise caution as visibility drops before conditions improve later in the day.
Airline major IndiGo on Friday released a travel advisory cautioning passengers about possible disruptions to flight operations due to low visibility caused by fog in several cities, including Bhubaneswar and Indore. The carrier said fluctuating weather conditions have already affected flight schedules and advised travellers to regularly check updates through its official website or mobile application.
In a post on social media platform X, IndiGo said it is closely monitoring weather developments and making efforts to ensure safe and smooth operations, while assuring passengers that ground teams are available to provide assistance throughout their journey.
Meanwhile, Air India said it will roll out additional operational measures in response to widespread fog across North India, including Delhi. The airline said steps such as enhanced schedule planning and real-time monitoring of disruptions are being put in place to reduce inconvenience to passengers.
Passengers travelling from Delhi’s airports have been advised to remain cautious and stay informed as dense fog continues to affect visibility and flight operations. Travellers should regularly check flight status updates, allow extra time to reach the airport and remain alert to possible delays, diversions or cancellations, particularly during early morning hours.
Airlines have urged passengers to follow official advisories issued through their websites, mobile applications and customer support channels. With weather conditions expected to fluctuate, flyers are also encouraged to stay in touch with airline staff at the airport and keep alternative travel arrangements in mind to minimise inconvenience.
Dense Fog Warning Extended To Multiple States
The IMD has expanded its fog advisory beyond Delhi-NCR, cautioning that Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh are likely to experience dense fog during night-time and early morning hours until January 7, 2026. The weather office has also forecast reduced visibility across western and eastern Uttar Pradesh between January 5 and 9. In addition, patchy fog is expected to persist in parts of Odisha, the Jammu region, and northern Madhya Pradesh until January 6, with motorists advised to remain vigilant amid fluctuating visibility conditions.
Similar weather patterns are also expected to extend across large parts of the country, with the IMD forecasting comparable conditions in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Odisha, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Bihar, as cold and foggy conditions continue to prevail.
(With inputs from various sources.)
FAQs
Why has dense fog affected flights from Delhi?
Dense fog has reduced visibility during early morning hours, making it difficult for aircraft to operate safely, leading to delays and cancellations.
Which flights are most likely to be impacted?
Early morning departures and arrivals are most vulnerable, especially domestic flights operating during peak fog hours.
How can passengers check their flight status?
Travellers should monitor real-time updates on airline websites, mobile apps and official social media handles.
Are airlines offering assistance to affected passengers?
Yes, airlines have deployed ground staff and operational measures to help passengers and minimise disruption.
How long are fog-related disruptions expected to continue?
Weather advisories suggest foggy conditions may persist over the coming days, particularly during night and morning hours.
