 "Red alert for fog in Delhi, AQI over 400; flights and trains disrupted in many Indian cities")
The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for dense fog in Delhi for the next hour as visibility dropped sharply across the national capital, disrupting daily life and compounding already severe air quality conditions. A thick layer of fog engulfed the city, reducing sightlines on roads and triggering operational challenges at key transport hubs.
Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index stood at 403, placing it firmly in the Severe category, with AQI crossing 400 at 25 monitoring stations. Vivek Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 460, followed by Anand Vihar at 459 and Rohini at 445. Wazirpur and Nehru Nagar both logged 444, while Sonia Vihar stood at 442. Jahangirpuri reported 439, Shadipur 437, and Patparganj 432.
#WATCH | Delhi | Visibility in the national capital is affected as a layer of dense fog engulfs the city.
— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2025
(Visuals from Dwarka Sector 6 to Dabri Road) pic.twitter.com/yWHI52nvTN
Airport operations hit by low visibility
The dense fog severely impacted flight operations, with the Delhi Airport and major airlines including IndiGo and Air India, warning of possible cancellations and delays across North, East and Northeast India. In an advisory issued on Monday morning, the Delhi airport authority said it had activated CAT-3 procedures due to poor visibility. The aviation regulator, DGCA, has announced December 10, 2025–February 10, 2026, as the official fog window for this season.
General visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport dropped to barely 50 metres, with temperatures hovering around 11 degrees Celsius. CAT-3 measures, a specialised navigation system that allows equipped aircraft and trained pilots to land in very low visibility, were put in place. While CAT III permits landings, the airport cautioned that congestion and backlogs are likely, leading to delays and potential cancellations.
“Do not head to the airport without confirming your flight status first. Contact your airline directly via their app, website, or customer service helpline,” Delhi IGI airport advised.
Quick Reads
View AllSeveral flights were diverted due to poor visibility, congestion and delays. Airlines also issued advisories, with IndiGo stating that early-morning fog is expected to hit visibility across Delhi, Amritsar and Chandigarh. “During these hours, visibility can reduce suddenly, impacting flight operations. Our teams will remain fully prepared through the night, monitoring the weather minute by minute,” the airline said.
“Passengers also have the option to avail complimentary rescheduling or opt for full refund without penalty through Air India Fog Care," the airline said in a statement.
Some trains were delayed at New Delhi railway station due to fog.
#WATCH | Delhi: Some trains delayed at New Delhi railway station due to fog. pic.twitter.com/w8o6MESgCv
— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2025
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