Due to dense fog and low visibility, flight services are being badly affected across the country. In view of this, the Civil Aviation Ministry has instructed all airlines to strictly follow the rules related to passenger convenience. The Ministry has clearly said that there will be no compromise on the safety and convenience of passengers during bad weather.
Hundreds of flights delayed, many canceled
In the last few days, due to dense fog, hundreds of flights have been delayed and many flights have also had to be cancelled. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the country, has been the most affected.
It is mandatory to provide correct information to passengers on time
The Civil Aviation Ministry has said in its office memorandum that in conditions of fog and low visibility, airlines will have to provide timely and accurate information about flight status to passengers. In case of flight delay or cancellation, the reason should be clearly explained to the passengers.
Food and refreshments will have to be provided in case of delay.
The ministry has directed that if the flight is delayed for a long time, it will be the responsibility of the airlines to provide food and refreshments to the passengers. Along with this, passengers will also have to be given the option of re-booking or ticket refund.
Those who check-in on time should not be prevented from boarding
It has also been made clear in the memorandum that passengers who have checked-in on time will not be refused boarding, even if flight operations are being affected due to weather.
Special arrangements for diverted flights also
If a flight is diverted to an alternate airport due to bad weather, the airlines will have to make arrangements for food, refreshments and onward travel for the passengers there. Apart from this, special attention has also been asked to be paid to connecting flights, baggage handling and care of children traveling without guardians.
Delhi Airport issues passenger advisory.
The advisory reads, “Low-visibility procedures are still in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are functioning normally. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates” pic.twitter.com/lYDO0H9YVM
— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2025
Instructions to increase staff at the airport
The Ministry has directed the airlines to deploy adequate staff at all necessary places including the help desk at the airport during fog-affected times such as early morning and late evening, so that passengers can get immediate assistance.
Special assistance for disabled passengers
The instructions also include that all possible assistance should be provided to passengers with disabilities (PwDs). Apart from this, emphasis has also been laid on timely refunds, baggage related facilities and making the complaint redressal system effective.
Ministry statement
The Civil Aviation Ministry said on social media platform ‘X’, ‘Flight operations are being affected due to dense fog and low visibility. In such a situation, keeping in mind the safety and convenience of passengers, airlines have been instructed to strictly follow the passenger convenience rules.
Trouble increases in North India every winter
It is noteworthy that every year in North India, dense fog occurs during winter, which has a major impact on air, rail and road transport. In such circumstances, the responsibility of the government and airlines to protect passengers from inconvenience increases even more.
