Dense fog disrupts travel as IndiGo cancels 40-plus flights
Dense fog disrupts travel as IndiGo cancels 40-plus flights across major Indian cities.
IndiGo has cancelled several flights scheduled to depart from Chandigarh today, causing inconvenience for many travellers. The cancellations come amid challenging weather conditions, prompting the airline to urge passengers to stay alert and plan carefully. Travellers are strongly advised to check their flight status on IndiGo’s official website or mobile app before leaving for the airport, as schedules may change at short notice. Passengers who do arrive at the airport without updated information could face long waits or last-minute disruptions. IndiGo has said it is closely monitoring the situation and will update passengers as conditions improve. Staying informed can help reduce stress and ensure a smoother travel experience.
IndiGo continues to face widespread operational disruptions as dense fog and poor visibility affect flight schedules across northern and eastern India. After cancelling more than 170 flights on Monday, followed by nearly 60 cancellations on Tuesday and over 50 on Wednesday, the airline has cancelled more than 40 flights today, adding to days of travel uncertainty for passengers.
Most of today’s cancellations involve flights scheduled to depart from Chandigarh, which remains the worst affected airport due to persistent low visibility conditions. Other cities impacted include Patna, Delhi, and Varanasi, where foggy weather has continued to interfere with safe take-offs and landings.
In a travel advisory issued on X (formerly Twitter), IndiGo explained that flight operations over Chandigarh have been significantly disrupted due to dense fog.
In a subsequent update, IndiGo clarified that the cancellations were a preventive step taken in the interest of passenger safety.
For many travellers, the repeated cancellations have meant missed connections, delayed plans, and long hours of uncertainty. Passengers arriving at airports early in the morning reported frequent schedule changes, delayed boarding announcements, and last-minute cancellations as visibility conditions fluctuated. Several flyers also took to social media to express frustration, while others acknowledged the safety-first approach adopted by the airline.
Dense winter fog is a recurring challenge for aviation operations in north India, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. Airports like Chandigarh and Delhi are especially vulnerable during this season, as sudden drops in visibility can make landings unsafe despite advanced navigation systems. While some airports are equipped with CAT III instrument landing systems that allow operations in very low visibility, not all flights or crew are certified to operate under such conditions.
IndiGo has advised passengers to check their flight status frequently before leaving for the airport, as conditions remain unpredictable and schedules may change at short notice. The airline has also encouraged travellers to use its official website and mobile app for real-time updates, rebooking options, and refund information where applicable.
Industry experts note that proactive cancellations, while inconvenient, often help prevent overcrowding at terminals and reduce prolonged waiting times on the tarmac. “From a safety and passenger management perspective, cancelling flights early is sometimes better than keeping travellers stuck at airports for hours with no clarity,” an aviation analyst said.
As weather conditions continue to be closely monitored, IndiGo has assured passengers that it is deploying all available resources to resume normal operations as soon as visibility improves. Additional ground staff have also been deployed at affected airports to assist travellers with rebooking and customer support.
For now, passengers travelling to or from fog-prone cities are advised to remain flexible with their plans, allow extra buffer time, and stay updated through official airline channels. With winter conditions expected to persist, further disruptions cannot be ruled out, making preparation and timely information crucial for smoother travel.