IndiGo Issues Advisory as Dense Fog Disrupts Travel in North and East India

Thick winter fog combined with hazardous air quality brought significant disruption to travel across North and East India on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, prompting airlines and airports to issue urgent advisories.

IndiGo, India's largest airline, released a statement cautioning passengers about reduced visibility and slower flight operations in the early hours. The advisory, shared on X, noted that "misty winter skies" were expected to blanket several regions, leading to delays and adjustments in schedules. The airline emphasized that safety remained its top priority, with teams across airports coordinating closely to manage operations and assist travellers.

Passengers were urged to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journey to the airport, and check real‑time flight status updates on IndiGo's website or mobile app. The airline also warned that foggy conditions could affect road traffic, resulting in slower commutes and longer travel times. "We appreciate your patience and continued trust as we work steadily through the early hours, with visibility expected to improve as the day progresses," IndiGo said in its post.

The advisory came as Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi issued its own warning earlier on Tuesday morning. Around 6:00 am, the airport reported that flight operations were "steadily recovering" but cautioned that disruptions could persist for certain departures and arrivals.

Airport authorities advised passengers to remain in touch with their airlines for the latest updates and assured that ground staff had been deployed across terminals to provide assistance. "We appreciate your cooperation and understanding," the airport added.

The situation was further complicated by deteriorating air quality in the national capital. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 378 at 8 am on Tuesday, placing it in the "very poor" category. Dense fog combined with high pollution levels significantly reduced visibility, intensifying challenges for both air and road traffic.

Travellers across the region faced delays, longer commutes, and uncertainty as authorities worked to manage the impact of the weather. Airlines reiterated that while schedules may be adjusted, safety remained paramount. Both IndiGo and Delhi Airport highlighted their commitment to assisting passengers and maintaining smooth operations despite the difficult conditions.

As the day progressed, visibility was expected to improve gradually, offering some relief to travellers. However, with winter fog a recurring challenge in northern India, passengers were reminded to remain vigilant, plan journeys with buffer time, and rely on official airline and airport channels for timely updates.