New Delhi, October 29, 2026: India’s aviation authorities have begun reviewing operational preparedness for the upcoming winter season, when dense fog can reduce visibility and affect flight schedules at airports.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation held its first fog-preparedness meeting for the winter season on October 27, with a focus on minimising inconvenience to air passengers. The meeting forms part of preparations for weather-related operational challenges that can arise as temperatures fall and fog develops, particularly in northern India.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: The Ministry of Civil Aviation held its first fog-preparedness meeting for the upcoming winter season.
Location: New Delhi, India, for the ministry-level review; potential operational effects vary by airport.
Authority/Organisation: Ministry of Civil Aviation and the aviation stakeholders involved in winter operations.
Action Taken: Authorities reviewed preparedness with the stated focus of minimising passenger inconvenience during fog-related disruptions.
Impact: The review aims to improve readiness, but actual delays or cancellations will depend on local weather and operational conditions.
Fog can affect the ability of pilots and air traffic controllers to maintain safe operating conditions. Depending on visibility, airport infrastructure, aircraft equipment and approved operating procedures, flights may face delays, diversions or cancellations.
Why winter fog matters for air travel
Dense fog can reduce runway visibility and disrupt take-offs and landings. When conditions fall below the limits permitted for a particular operation, airlines and airport authorities must follow the applicable safety procedures.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
For passengers: Fog can disrupt travel plans, so checking flight status before leaving home can help passengers avoid unnecessary waiting at airports. For connecting travellers: A delayed incoming flight can affect onward connections even when the connecting airport has clear weather. For airlines and airports: Winter preparedness supports coordination and helps ensure that safety procedures are followed when visibility deteriorates. For families and business travellers: Keeping extra time in travel plans can reduce the consequences of unexpected schedule changes. For aviation safety: Low-visibility operations must remain within approved limits. Reducing inconvenience cannot take priority over safe flight operations.
Even when the weather improves at one airport, delays can continue because aircraft and crew may be arriving late from other locations. As a result, passengers travelling through connecting airports may also be affected.
The impact varies by airport, time of day and weather conditions. Fog preparedness does not mean every flight will be delayed, and a general seasonal review does not establish a specific disruption forecast for any individual route.
What passengers should do
Travellers flying during the winter season should check their flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport. Passengers should also monitor messages and notifications sent to the contact details provided during booking.
Those travelling to the airport should allow sufficient time for road travel and check for any local transport disruption. Passengers with connecting flights may wish to review their connection time and understand the airline’s procedures if a delay affects onward travel.
If a flight is cancelled or significantly changed, travellers should contact their airline for the available rebooking or refund options under the applicable rules and ticket conditions.
Safety remains the priority
Operational decisions during low visibility must follow aviation safety requirements. Authorities cannot guarantee that every scheduled flight will operate on time when weather conditions become unsuitable.
The Ministry’s preparedness review is intended to help relevant stakeholders plan for the season and reduce avoidable inconvenience. Any specific operational measures, airport restrictions or airline schedules should be confirmed through official announcements as they are issued.
