AAI issues dense fog advisory for Northern India; IndiGo, Air India warn of possible flight disruptions

NEW DELHI: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Thursday issued a weather advisory warning of dense fog conditions across Northern India, cautioning passengers about low visibility and possible flight delays at several airports.

In a weather advisory posted on X, AAI said, “Persistent fog is affecting several airports across Northern India, resulting in low visibility and possible flight delays.” The authority advised passengers to confirm their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport and to allow additional travel time.

“Passenger are advised to confirm your flight status with your airline before heading to the airport. Check the airport’s official website or social media handles for updates Plan your journey in advance and allow additional travel time”, AAI further said.

Weather Advisory:
Dense Fog condition in Northern India

Persistent fog is affecting several airports across Northern India, resulting in low visibility and possible flight delays.

Passenger are advised to confirm your flight status with your airline before heading to the… pic.twitter.com/NiODPbCV8V

— Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) December 18, 2025

Moreover, IndiGo Airlines also issued a travel advisory earlier today, flagging possible disruptions at select destinations. “Low visibility and fog over Ranchi, Patna, and Varanasi may impact flight schedules,” the airline said in X post, adding that it is closely monitoring weather conditions.

“We are doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly,” IndiGo said, requesting passengers to regularly check their flight status through its website or app. “Please be assured that our teams are here to assist you at every step and provide full support. We look forward to clearer skies and a swift return to our regular schedule. Thank you for your patience and understanding”, the advisory further read.

Travel Advisory

Low visibility and fog over #Ranchi, #Patna, and #Varanasi may impact flight schedules. We are closely monitoring the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly.

We request that you stay updated on your flight status via our…

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 18, 2025

Air India cautioned passengers about potential disruptions to flight operations over the next few days due to dense fog, particularly at its primary hub in Delhi and at several airports across northern and eastern India. The airline said reduced visibility could lead to delays or cancellations, with a cascading impact on its wider network.

In an advisory issued on Wednesday through the X platform, Air India urged travellers, especially during the ongoing holiday season, to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Passengers are advised to monitor updates on the airline’s official website via the link (https://www.airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html) to plan their journeys more effectively.

#TravelAdvisory

Over the next few days, potential dense fog conditions resulting in poor visibility may impact flight operations at our primary hub in Delhi, and a few airports in northern and eastern India, with a cascading effect in some other cities across our network. To…

— Air India (@airindia) December 17, 2025

The airline said it has taken several proactive measures to mitigate fog-related disruptions, including operational planning and enhanced coordination on the ground. The airline provided the following link in this regard (https://bit.ly/4agYVyF). However, it acknowledged that sudden cancellations or prolonged delays may still occur if dense fog conditions intensify.

Air India assured passengers that its ground staff will be available round-the-clock at airports to provide assistance and make alternative travel arrangements wherever possible. The airline also highlighted its ‘FogCare’ initiative, under which passengers booked on flights likely to be affected by fog will receive advance alerts via their registered mobile numbers.

Under the ‘FogCare’ facility, eligible passengers will have the option to reschedule their flights without any additional charges or seek a full refund without penalty, Air India said. The airline appealed for patience and cooperation from travellers, reiterating that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its top priority as it manages weather-related operational challenges.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a passenger advisory at 9.18 am on Thursday day, stating, “All flight operations are normal at Delhi Airport. Wishing all our passengers a smooth and pleasant journey ahead!” The airport authorities also urged travellers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates.

Passenger Advisory issued at 09:18 hrs#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/ykX3zpcsM4

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 18, 2025

These advisories come as Delhi continues to experience dense fog and poor air quality, which have reduced visibility in the early morning hours and disrupted air traffic at the airport. The National Capital Delhi continued to experience hazardous air quality on Thursday, with the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 358 at around 10 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Earlier on Thursday, teams from Transport Enforcement conducted checks on vehicles in the National Capital as part of intensified measures to combat rising air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.

This comes a day after the Supreme Court allowed the Delhi government to take action against owners of vehicles operating below the BS IV emission standard in the NCR. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be denied fuel at petrol pumps, while trucks carrying construction materials into Delhi have been banned to curb pollution levels. (ANI)