Dense fog returned to the national capital on Saturday morning, disrupting flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and forcing the cancellation of around 100 flights.
Low visibility during early hours led to over 50 departing flights and a similar number of arrivals being cancelled, according to details available on the airport’s website. Several other flights were delayed as fog continued to affect take-offs and landings.
Foggy conditions were reported across Delhi and several parts of north India, a familiar winter pattern that routinely affects air traffic during December mornings.
Also Read: Delhi chokes under smog as AQI stays very poor; IMD issues orange alert for fog
With flight schedules thrown off, the Centre stepped in, asking airlines to keep passengers informed about the actual status of their flights and to ensure basic comfort during delays.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said airlines have been directed to strictly follow passenger facilitation norms, stressing that safety and convenience must not be compromised.
According to the Ministry, airlines must provide timely and accurate information to passengers, arrange meals and refreshments in case of extended delays, and offer rebooking or refunds when flights are cancelled. It also said passengers who have completed check-in on time should not be denied boarding.
The Ministry further said assistance must be provided during diversions, with special attention to persons with disabilities (PwDs). Airlines have also been asked to ensure timely refunds, baggage facilitation, and proper grievance redressal.
“Passenger safety and convenience remain the priority,” the Ministry said.
It added that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been tasked with monitoring compliance and ensuring that directions are implemented uniformly across airlines.
Meanwhile, amid reduced visibility, the airport switched to CAT-III operations. Airlines have advised passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport, as fog conditions are likely to persist during early morning hours.