New Delhi: Flight operations at several airports across northern India may face delays as dense fog continues to reduce visibility, prompting a fresh advisory from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Saturday. Passengers have been urged to remain alert and check flight schedules regularly amid challenging weather conditions.
In an official update, the AAI cautioned that low visibility in parts of the region could affect departures and arrivals at select airports. Travellers were advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates, rely only on official sources for information, and factor in extra time for airport procedures.
To manage passenger inconvenience, the airport operator said special facilitation teams have been stationed at affected airports to provide on-ground assistance and ensure smoother movement during delays or disruptions. The authority stressed that safety remains the top priority as operations continue under low-visibility protocols.
The warning comes as thick fog has persisted over several northern states, impacting major aviation hubs in recent days, including Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Similar weather-related advisories have been issued repeatedly as winter conditions intensify.
Airlines have also flagged potential disruptions. IndiGo, India’s largest domestic carrier, issued a travel alert cautioning passengers flying to and from Ranchi, Jammu and Hindon about possible schedule changes due to fog. The airline said it is closely monitoring weather conditions and encouraged travellers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
Flight services at Jaisalmer Airport have also been affected, with airlines instructed to strictly adhere to passenger assistance guidelines to ensure safety and comfort amid reduced visibility.
On Friday, Air India released a detailed advisory noting that dense fog across northern and eastern India could disrupt flights during the busy holiday travel period. The airline highlighted possible operational impact at airports including Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Varanasi and Patna, with knock-on effects across its wider network.
Air India said its ground staff remain available around the clock to help passengers in case of delays or cancellations. Under its FogCare initiative, eligible travellers are receiving advance alerts and have the option to reschedule flights or seek refunds without penalty.
Meanwhile, weather and pollution conditions remain challenging in the capital. Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index of 384 around 8 am on Saturday, placing air quality in the “very poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board, further compounding travel and health concerns for residents and visitors alike.
