San Diego, CA – A dense fog advisory caused significant disruptions at San Diego International Airport (SAN) on Tuesday night, leading to a temporary ground stop and widespread delays for travelers across San Diego County.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), visibility had sharply decreased to one-quarter mile or less, making both driving and flying extremely hazardous.
The advisory was issued shortly after 7:45 p.m., warning residents in areas such as Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Diego, National City, and Chula Vista that foggy conditions could linger until at least 6 a.m. Wednesday.
FAA Orders Ground Stop Due to Limited Visibility
Because pilots were facing risky visibility issues, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a ground stop at 8:48 p.m. for all incoming and outgoing flights at SAN. Initially expected to end at 10:15 p.m., the restriction was later pushed back by another hour as the dense fog persisted over the region.
Passengers at SAN faced growing frustration as departure boards filled with delays and warnings of extended wait times.
More Than 85 Delays Reported
Flight tracking data showed that, by 9 p.m., the airport had experienced at least 85 flight delays and two cancellations—numbers that continued to rise as the night progressed. The official airport site also displayed dozens of additional delays, reflecting the widespread impact on both domestic and connecting flights.
Travelers arriving in San Diego were forced to remain on the ground at their departure airports, while those already at SAN found themselves waiting for updates with little clarity on when normal operations would resume.
Drivers Also Advised to Use Extreme Caution
It wasn’t just air travel affected. Road conditions deteriorated quickly as the thick fog spread across freeways and coastal communities. The NWS issued a strong caution for motorists:
If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.
The agency emphasized that low visibility poses major risks, especially in nighttime conditions when it becomes harder to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles on the road.
Weather Expected to Improve by Early Morning
Forecasters expect conditions to gradually improve after daybreak on Wednesday, though travelers are still encouraged to check flight statuses frequently and allow extra time for travel to and from the airport.
Airport staff and airlines continue to work with federal authorities to monitor weather changes and make decisions that ensure passenger safety.
What Do You Think?
Were you or someone you know affected by these flight delays or dangerous foggy driving conditions in San Diego last night? Share your experience or thoughts in the comments below!
