At least 129 flights were cancelled at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Saturday as dense fog reduced visibility and disrupted air traffic, officials said.
Arrivals and departures affected
According to airport officials, 66 incoming and 63 outgoing flights were cancelled during the day due to low visibility conditions. Flight operations at Delhi and several other airports have been impacted over the past few days as persistent fog continues to affect northern India.
Despite the cancellations, the airport operator said essential procedures were in place to manage operations safely.
Low Visibility Procedures in force
“Low Visibility Procedures are currently in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are functioning normally,” Delhi International Airport Limited said in a post on social media platform X on Saturday afternoon.
Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) are activated when visibility drops below specified thresholds, requiring aircraft and ground staff to follow stricter protocols to ensure safety during take-offs and landings.
India’s busiest airport under pressure
Indira Gandhi International Airport, operated by Delhi International Airport Limited, is India’s largest and busiest airport. It typically handles around 1,300 flights a day, including domestic and international services.
Officials said even a short spell of dense fog can have a cascading effect on flight schedules at IGIA due to the high volume of traffic, leading to delays and cancellations that impact airlines and passengers nationwide.
Passengers advised to check flight status
Airlines and airport authorities have advised passengers to check flight statuses with carriers before heading to the airport, as fog conditions may continue to cause delays, diversions or cancellations, particularly during early morning and late-night hours.
Weather officials have warned that dense to very dense fog conditions may persist over the next few days, potentially prolonging disruptions at airports across the region.