Low visibility conditions continued to disrupt air travel over Delhi-NCR on Wednesday (December 24), prompting an alert from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) as fog, mist and hazardous air quality gripped the capital.
Airport authorities said low-visibility procedures remained in place, while passengers were advised to check flight status before traveling to the airport due to the risk of delays and cancellations.
Low visibility procedures are in place at Delhi Airport
In its latest report, Delhi Airport said that low visibility procedures are currently in place at IGI Airport. Such protocols are usually implemented during winter fog to ensure the safe movement of aircraft, but often lead to slower take-offs, landing delays and disruptions to flight schedules.
The situation follows significant disruption a day earlier when at least 10 flights were canceled and more than 270 were delayed due to thick fog and reduced visibility on Tuesday.
“Visibility at the airport is improving, however flight departures to certain destinations may be delayed,” Delhi airport operator DIAL said in a post on X.
Air quality in Delhi remains hazardous
Adding to the disruption, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) on Wednesday stood at 325, putting it in the hazardous category. The dominant pollutant was PM2.5, followed by PM10.
Read also | Delhi Airport issues travel advisory amid dense fog warning
According to pollution data, PM10 levels were recorded at 253.67 and PM2.5 at 357.08, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at 67.24, sulfur dioxide (SO2) at 19.62, ozone (O3) at 15.1 and carbon monoxide (CO) at 65.16.
Health experts recommend that when the AQI exceeds 100, sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems should limit outdoor exposure. If air quality is “poor” or worse, residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and wear masks when going out.
How to check flight status on Delhi airport website
Passengers traveling through Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport can track real-time flight updates directly on the airport’s official website.
Passengers traveling through Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport can track real-time flight updates directly on the airport’s official website.
The portal provides live updates of flight status, terminal and gate numbers, and scheduled and predicted arrival and departure times.
During extreme weather events, airport authorities recommend checking the most accurate information directly with the airlines.
Is your IndiGo flight delayed or cancelled? Here’s how to check
Passengers flying with IndiGo can track their flight status through several official channels.
Passengers flying with IndiGo can track their flight status through several official channels.
Using the IndiGo app or website (recommended):
- Open the IndiGo app or visit the airline’s Flight Tracker page – www.goindigo.in/check-flight-status.html
- Select “Flight Status”
- Enter your PNR and date
- View live updates on delays, gates and terminal
Read also | Fog warning! Delhi airport consultancy; So far 11 IndiGo flights have been cancelled
Other options:
Third party platforms such as Ixigo, Cleartrip or Yatra
PNR based tracking using your booking on the IndiGo app or partner websites
Passengers are advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
How to check Air India and Air India Express flight status
Passengers flying with Air India or Air India Express can avail the following options:
Passengers flying with Air India or Air India Express can avail the following options:
Official site:
Mobile App:
- Air India App (Android and iOS)
- Tata Neu app that integrates flight tracking and notifications
Third Party Trackers:
Flightradar24 for live aircraft tracking
FlightAware for detailed information on arrivals and departures
Ixigo, using your 10-digit PNR number
Air India Customer Support:
Air India: 1860 233 1407 or 0124-2641407
Air India Express: 044-40013001 or 044-24301930
How to Check SpiceJet Flight Status
Passengers flying SpiceJet can follow flight updates through official and alternative channels.
Passengers flying SpiceJet can follow flight updates through official and alternative channels.
SpiceJet Official Site:
Use the Flight Status Page – book.spicejet.com/flightstatus.aspx
Search by flight number and date or by route
Mobile App:
The SpiceJet app provides real-time alerts on gate delays and changes
WhatsApp and Alerts:
Flight status can be checked through SpiceJet official WhatsApp number: +91 6000000006
Passengers who have booked directly are often sent SMS and email notifications
SpiceJet Customer Support:
+91 (0)124 4983410 or +91 (0)124 7101600
+91 9871803333 or +91 9654003333
Read also | Delhi Airport, IndiGo issues alert as dense fog engulfs national capital
The recent disruption highlights the severity of winter fog in Delhi
On Tuesday (December 23), Delhi woke up to extremely poor air quality as dense fog and haze enveloped the city. The AQI exceeded 400 – the “severe” category – at 27 monitoring stations, with several others entering the “severe plus” range.
More than 280 flights were affected at Delhi airport that morning, including six arrivals and four departures that were cancelled. More than 270 flights were delayed, with an average departure delay of around 29 minutes, according to Flightradar24 data.
As winter fog is expected to persist in the coming days, passengers traveling via Delhi-NCR are advised to closely monitor flight updates, allow extra travel time and stay in touch with their airlines for the latest information.
