Dense fog enveloped the national capital on Monday, severely disrupting flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport and prompting a hands-on review by Civil Aviation Ministry officials at the airport's Operations Control Centre. Visibility dropped sharply due to a combination of winter fog and thick smog, leading to the cancellation of over 100 flights and delays affecting more than 300 others, according to flight tracking data from FlightRadar24. Major airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, issued passenger advisories urging travellers to monitor updates closely.

Ministry officials conducted a real-time assessment of the situation, focusing on coordination between air traffic control, ground handling teams, and airlines to manage the chaos effectively. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) clarified that the CAT III instrument landing system, designed for low-visibility operations, was fully functional and enabled limited arrivals and departures. Despite this, many flights—particularly those not equipped for CAT III procedures—faced unavoidable cancellations or diversions to nearby airports.

The disruptions coincided with hazardous air quality levels, as the morning Air Quality Index soared to 456, marking the second-worst reading of the season and falling into the 'severe' category. Such conditions not only reduced visibility but also raised health concerns for passengers and airport staff spending extended hours in terminals. Ground staff worked overtime to assist stranded travellers with rebookings, refreshments, and information.

Also Read: Tripura Man Arrested for Raping 9-Year-Old Girl in Madhupur

This incident signals the beginning of the annual winter challenge for northern India's aviation sector, where fog routinely blankets the Indo-Gangetic plains from December to February. Authorities have long invested in advanced low-visibility technologies, but the sheer volume of traffic at Delhi—one of the world's busiest airports—amplifies the impact of even moderate disruptions.

In a related development, the Union Environment Minister held review meetings on anti-pollution measures for Ghaziabad and Noida, part of ongoing efforts to tackle Delhi-NCR's air quality crisis under the Graded Response Action Plan. Slight improvements in wind patterns are forecast for the coming days, but officials urged continued caution.

Passengers planning travel through Delhi are advised to build in extra buffer time and stay updated via official airline channels, as similar foggy conditions are likely to persist intermittently throughout the week. The ministry reiterated its commitment to passenger safety while working to minimise inconvenience during the peak winter travel season.

Also Read: Centre Moves to Overhaul Higher Education With Viksit Bharat Shiksha Bill