Dense Fog Engulfs Delhi-NCR; Flights & Trains Delayed As Visibility Drops

Over 140 flights cancelled and 50+ trains delayed as visibility drops to 50 meters; AQI hits “Severe” category (408) as toxic smog returns to the capital.

The final morning of 2025 has turned into a logistical nightmare for the national capital. On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, a massive blanket of “very dense” fog descended upon Delhi-NCR, reducing visibility to near-zero levels in several areas and bringing air, rail, and road traffic to a virtual standstill.

Aviation Chaos at IGI Airport

The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport faced one of its most disruptive days of the season.

• Cancellations & Delays: At least 148 flights were cancelled on Wednesday morning, with over 550 flights having faced delays since Tuesday evening.
• CAT-III Protocols: Authorities have activated CAT-III low-visibility procedures. While this allows specially equipped aircraft and trained pilots to land in visibility as low as 50 meters, the “sequencing” of departures has caused massive backlogs.
• Airline Response: IndiGo and Air India have urged passengers to check their flight status digitally before leaving for the airport and to account for at least 2–3 hours of extra travel time due to poor road conditions.

Railways Hit: “White-out” on the Tracks

The Northern Railways reported that more than 50 trains are running behind schedule as of 9:00 AM.

• Key Delays: Premium services like the Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi Express are reportedly trailing by 4 to 10 hours.
• Long-Distance Impact: Some trains arriving from the eastern and northern belts (like the Unchahaar Express) have recorded delays exceeding 12 hours, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at the New Delhi and Anand Vihar railway stations.

AQI Watch: Breathing Becomes a Struggle

The fog has combined with stagnant winds to trap pollutants, pushing Delhi’s air quality back into the “Severe” category.

IMD Forecast: A Yellow Alert remains in place for today. However, a Western Disturbance is expected to bring light rain or drizzle by late evening or early January 1, which may provide slight relief from the smog but could worsen the “cold day” conditions.