Heavy fog at Delhi airport leads to over 120 flight cancellations and multiple diversions
Severe fog at New Delhi's IGI Airport led to 128 flight cancellations and eight diversions on December 29, 2025. Aviation authorities responded with special helpline numbers to assist stranded travelers. Passengers faced widespread disruptions and travel uncertainty as dense fog affected the airport's operations, highlighting weather-related challenges during the winter season.
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Operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi faced significant disruptions on December 29, 2025 due to persistent dense fog. The adverse weather conditions forced the cancellation of 128 flights and the diversion of eight flights to alternative airports. Airport authorities have established special helplines to assist passengers affected by the sudden schedule changes.
The disruption has impacted numerous travelers, with many experiencing delays, canceled itineraries, and extended waiting times. The situation worsened as low visibility persisted through the morning, making it challenging for pilots to land or take off safely. Airline representatives worked on rerouting flights and providing updates to affected passengers, but travel plans for many were upended as a consequence of the fog.
In response, aviation officials urged passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport and leverage the helpline numbers for assistance. The incident underscores the vulnerability of air travel during winter months in northern India and reaffirms the importance of weather monitoring systems and timely passenger communication by authorities during widespread operational disruptions.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights:
When your disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances — events beyond the airline’s control — you are not entitled to financial compensation, but you still have important rights to care and rebooking.
What counts as extraordinary circumstances
These include:
Severe weather conditions (storms, snow, volcanic ash, etc.)
Air traffic control restrictions or strikes by third parties (e.g., airport staff)
Political instability, security risks, or bird strikes
Medical emergencies or unforeseen airport closures
Such situations are recognized by EC 261, UK 261, Montreal Convention, and other international frameworks.
No compensation
Because the disruption wasn’t under the airline’s control, financial compensation doesn’t apply. Just to be completely sure we always suggest to check for free on our compensation checker
Rerouting or refund
The airline must still offer rerouting at the earliest opportunity or a full refund if you decide not to travel.
Care and assistance
Even when compensation is not owed, the airline must take care of you:
Meals and refreshments for long delays
Hotel accommodation and transport if you are stranded overnight
Communication
You are entitled to two phone calls or emails to arrange your plans.
Examples:
Airport closed due to snow → no compensation, but hotel and food covered.
Pilot strike → may qualify (depends on whether airline staff or external).
Technical failure → usually eligible for compensation.
Quick facts
Disruption:
Cancellation
Cause:
Weather issue
Compensation:
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected:
128
Status:
Current disruption
Start date:
2025-12-29
Airports affected:
Indira Gandhi International Airport
Checked by:
Matteo Floris
Date updated:
29 December 2025