Thick fog has enveloped Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) this morning, slashing visibility to under 50 meters and sparking widespread disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Airlines including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India have rolled out urgent advisories, warning passengers of potential delays, cancellations, and diversions as winter haze plays havoc with schedules.

Over 148 flights were cancelled today—78 arrivals and 70 departures—while more than 150 others faced delays, pushing the airport into low-visibility CAT III operations. Yesterday's fog spillover left passengers stranded overnight, with social media buzzing about hours-long waits and frustrated travelers missing New Year's plans. Airport authorities activated advanced landing systems, but the persistent smog continues to throttle takeoff and landing rates.

IndiGo urged checking flight status via their app, noting ground teams are working overtime amid the "chilly fog blanket" at Delhi and Hindon airports. SpiceJet and others recommend arriving 3-4 hours early, opting for rebooking or refunds where needed, especially with DGCA's fog season alert running through mid-February. Visibility at key spots like Safdarjung dipped to 50m, per aviation reports, compounding the chaos.

Beyond aviation, fog has slowed highways, metro lines in Noida and Ghaziabad, and trains at New Delhi station by up to an hour. AQI levels hover in the "severe" 400 range, mixing pollution with cold air for health risks—experts advise masks and minimal outdoor time. Travelers are advised to monitor IMD forecasts and airline updates closely. As Delhi rings in 2026, safety remains the top priority amid this annual fog battle.