Ahmedabad: Flight operations between Delhi and Ahmedabad faced significant disruption on Monday due to dense fog and severe smog over Delhi, which reduced visibility and forced airlines to cancel or delay multiple flights. Both IndiGo and Air India issued travel advisories urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

A thick layer of smog and fog blanketed Delhi and its surrounding areas early Monday morning, drastically reducing visibility across the National Capital Region (NCR). According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 433–456 during the morning hours, categorised as ‘severe’ — the second-worst reading of the season. Authorities also issued an orange alert for dense fog for the next three hours.

Cancellations hit Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad

Several flights from Delhi to Ahmedabad were either cancelled or delayed. Notable cancellations included Indigo flight 6E 5186 (7:05 am), Air India flights AI 881 (2:45 pm), AI 3310 (11:39 am), and AI 817 (10:35 am). Delays were reported for flights such as SpiceJet SG 877, Indigo 6E 163, and Air India AI 423, with delays ranging from one to four hours.

Departures from Ahmedabad to Delhi were also affected. Indigo 6E 6790 (5:45 pm), Air India AI 882 (4:00 pm), AI 3311 (12:50 pm), and AI 818 (11:15 am) were among the cancelled flights.

Delhi Airport Disruption

Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) were heavily impacted. Over 300 flights experienced delays, with more than 100 cancellations reported. Visibility at Palam and Safdarjung airports dropped to as low as 50 metres, while conditions in parts of western Uttar Pradesh were even worse. Westerly winds blowing at speeds of 5–7 kmph added to the challenging conditions.

IndiGo alone cancelled 109 flights linked to Delhi on Monday, affecting routes to and from Ahmedabad, Varanasi, Srinagar, Amritsar, Patna, Indore, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Jammu, Leh, Pune, and other regional destinations. Air India also issued advisories warning of possible delays and cancellations due to poor visibility.

“Heavy Fog Alert for Northern India. Delhi and other airports in Northern India are experiencing dense fog, severely affecting visibility. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status with their airline and allow extra travel time. Safety is our top priority,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation posted on X.

Airline and Delhi Airport Passenger Advisories

IndiGo, in a travel advisory, said: “Dense fog continues to affect visibility at Delhi and other airports across Northern India, leading to delays and changes to flight schedules. Prolonged low visibility during the morning hours has impacted air traffic movement, and as a result, some flights have been cancelled to ensure safe operations… Our teams continue to closely monitor visibility conditions and will progressively restore normal operations as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Travel Advisory

Dense fog continues to affect visibility at Delhi and other airports across Northern India, leading to delays and changes to flight schedules.

Prolonged low visibility during the morning hours has impacted air traffic movement, and as a result, some flights have…

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 15, 2025

Air India, in an X post, said: “Poor visibility due to dense fog in Delhi this morning has impacted flight operations for all airlines. We are closely monitoring conditions and will resume operations as soon as it is safe. In the interest of safety and to avoid prolonged uncertainty for our guests, some flights have been cancelled. Our ground teams across airports are working round the clock to assist and support passengers.”

#TravelAdvisory

Poor visibility due to dense fog in Delhi this morning has impacted flight operations for all airlines. We are closely monitoring conditions and will resume operations as soon as it is safe to do so.

In the interest of safety, and to avoid prolonged uncertainty…

— Air India (@airindia) December 15, 2025

SpiceJet also warned passengers: “#WeatherUpdate: Due to bad weather (poor visibility) in Delhi (DEL), all departures/arrivals and consequential flights might be affected. Passengers are requested to check their flight status via http://spicejet.com/#status.”

Delhi Airport, in a passenger advisory, said: “Flight operations are still impacted due to dense fog. We encourage passengers to check with their respective airlines for updated flight information. Our on-ground officials are working closely with all stakeholders to assist passengers and provide necessary support across terminals. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused.”

The combination of winter fog and heavy smog not only disrupted air travel but also posed serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and limit outdoor activities. DeshGujarat