Brace for Terrible Tuesday: IndiGo Flight Cancellations Skyrocket Amid Delhi Fog Crisis
If you’re planning to fly out of or into North India today, buckle up for a bumpy start. In a repeat of yesterday’s chaos, dense fog has once again brought air travel to a near standstill, with IndiGo flight cancellations topping 50 and counting on this “Terrible Tuesday,” December 30, 2025 .
India’s largest carrier is not alone. Air India has proactively issued a weather advisory, warning passengers of potential delays and cancellations due to “significantly reduced visibility” across the region . For thousands of holiday travelers, this is a logistical nightmare just as the year draws to a close. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it’s happening, and most importantly, what you can do about it.
Table of Contents
- The Fog Chaos Unfolding Today
- IndiGo’s Official Response and Cancellation Stats
- Air India’s Weather Advisory Explained
- How Delhi’s IGI Airport is Coping
- The DGCA’s “Fog Window” and Why It Matters
- Essential Tips for Stranded Passengers
- Conclusion: Navigating the Fog Season
- Sources
The Fog Chaos Unfolding Today
“Due to prevailing fog conditions today, 30 December 2025, visibility levels across Northern India have reduced at select airports,” a formal advisory from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed early this morning . This isn’t an isolated incident but part of a recurring winter pattern that has earned this period the nickname “Terrible Tuesday” on social media.
The fog is not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a major aviation hazard. When visibility drops below 500 meters, commercial aircraft are typically grounded for safety reasons. This has a cascading effect, disrupting flight schedules across the entire network for the rest of the day and even into the next.
IndiGo’s Official Response and Cancellation Stats
IndiGo, known for its vast domestic network, has been hit the hardest. The airline has confirmed that its cancellations are a direct result of the “foggy conditions hampering operations in Delhi and several airports in northern India” . While the exact number fluctuates by the hour, reports confirm that over 50 flights have been axed for Tuesday alone .
This follows a disastrous Monday, December 29, where a staggering 128 flights were cancelled at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport due to similar conditions . The airline is urging passengers to check their flight status on its official website or mobile app before heading to the airport.
Air India’s Weather Advisory Explained
Learning from past disruptions, Air India has taken a more proactive stance. The national carrier has issued a customer-centric advisory stating, “Weather forecast continues to indicate dense fog for tomorrow morning with significantly reduced visibility at Delhi and parts of northern India” .
This advisory serves as a crucial heads-up for travelers, allowing them to reschedule their flights or make alternative plans without incurring last-minute fees. It’s a welcome move that prioritizes passenger welfare over rigid scheduling .
How Delhi’s IGI Airport is Coping
Delhi’s IGI Airport, the primary hub for both IndiGo and Air India, is at the epicenter of this crisis. The airport has activated its fog management protocols, which include deploying specialized teams and using advanced navigation systems to handle the few flights that can operate safely .
However, the sheer volume of traffic means that even minor disruptions can cause massive delays. Passengers are advised to expect long queues at check-in and security, and to arrive at the airport at least three to four hours before their scheduled departure time.
[INTERNAL_LINK:delhi-airport-fog-tips]
The DGCA’s “Fog Window” and Why It Matters
This isn’t a surprise to the industry. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially designated the period from December 10, 2025, to February 10, 2026, as the official “fog window” for this winter season .
This designation is a critical planning tool for airlines, airports, and passengers alike. It signals a period of heightened risk and prepares the entire aviation ecosystem for potential, recurring disruptions. During this window, airlines often build in more buffer time for their schedules and have contingency plans ready.
Essential Tips for Stranded Passengers
If your travel plans are caught in this fog, here’s what you need to do:
- Check Your Status in Real-Time: Use the official IndiGo or Air India apps. Don’t rely on third-party sites.
- Contact Customer Care Early: Lines will be jammed. Try the airline’s social media channels for faster responses.
- Know Your Rights: For cancellations due to weather (an “extraordinary circumstance”), airlines are not obligated to provide compensation but must offer a full refund or a rebooking option.
- Don’t Go to the Airport Blindly: If your flight is cancelled, stay home until you’ve secured a new booking.
Conclusion: Navigating the Fog Season
The “Terrible Tuesday” fog is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between nature and modern infrastructure. While the IndiGo flight cancellations and Air India advisories are frustrating, they are ultimately a necessary safety measure. The key for travelers is to stay informed, be flexible, and plan ahead, especially during the DGCA’s declared fog window. With a little preparation, you can minimize the chaos and get through this winter disruption with your sanity intact.
Sources
- [[7], [15]] IndiGo’s statement on fog-related cancellations for December 30, 2025.
- [[9], [10], [16]] Airports Authority of India (AAI) fog advisory for Northern India.
- [[11], [12]] Air India’s official weather advisory and customer notice.
- [[19], [22]] Reports on the scale of flight cancellations at Delhi IGI Airport on December 29, 2025.
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) official fog window announcement.