Severe winter fog combined with rising pollution levels caused widespread disruption to air travel on Saturday, forcing the cancellation of dozens of flights at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Poor visibility conditions led to at least 66 arrival and departure flights being called off, affecting hundreds of passengers during the early morning hours.

Airport authorities confirmed that low-visibility protocols were activated to manage operations safely amid dense fog. While flight movements continued under restricted conditions, passengers were advised to remain cautious and stay in touch with airlines for real-time updates on schedules and delays.

In an official advisory issued around 7 am, Delhi Airport stated that although low-visibility procedures were in effect, overall operations were continuing. Travelers were urged to check flight status directly with their airlines before heading to the airport to avoid inconvenience.

Weather-related disruptions were not limited to the national capital. Srinagar Airport also reported cancellations, with four flights called off due to adverse weather conditions. These included services connected to Delhi and Amritsar, where fog and poor visibility affected flight safety.

India’s largest domestic carrier, IndiGo, issued a separate travel advisory warning passengers of potential delays and cancellations on routes linked to Ranchi, Jammu, and Hindon airports. The airline said dense fog in these regions could impact flight schedules and assured passengers that ground teams were actively assisting travelers.

Alongside aviation disruptions, Delhi’s air quality worsened sharply on Saturday morning. Data from pollution monitoring agencies showed the city’s Air Quality Index entering the ‘very poor’ category, with thick smog enveloping large areas of the capital. The toxic haze further reduced visibility and added to health concerns for residents.