Dense Fog Disrupts Delhi: Over 200 Flights and Trains Delayed as Visibility Drops to Zero
New Delhi: A thick blanket of dense fog has enveloped North India, leading to significant disruptions in both air and rail travel. At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, 202 flights were delayed as visibility dropped to zero, severely affecting flight schedules.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi experienced a maximum temperature of 16°C—three degrees below normal—and a minimum of 7.6°C in the past 24 hours. The temperature as of Friday morning was recorded at 9.6°C, marking the fifth consecutive cold day in the city. With fog set to persist until January 8 and light rain predicted for January 6, residents are bracing for more challenging weather conditions.
At 8 am, Palam Airport in Delhi reported zero visibility, while Safdarjung Airport, though not used for commercial flights, recorded just 50 meters of visibility. The dense fog, combined with low temperatures, has caused serious delays across various transportation sectors.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 309 at the Lodhi Road station, categorizing the air quality as ‘Very Poor.’
Flights from airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India have been heavily impacted, with many departures delayed by an average of 47 minutes. SpiceJet confirmed that flights to and from Amritsar and Guwahati were specifically affected by the poor weather. IndiGo issued a travel advisory for key routes, including Delhi, Amritsar, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Guwahati, advising passengers to check flight schedules regularly.
In addition to flight delays, train services departing and arriving in Delhi are also experiencing significant delays. At least 24 trains have been delayed, including the Ayodhya Express (delayed by four hours), the Gorakhdham Express (delayed by over two hours), and the Bihar Kranti Express and Shram Shakti Express (delayed by over three hours). Some routes are operating with altered timings due to the weather.
The IMD has issued a “Nowcast warning” for dense to very dense fog across several areas, including Delhi, Amritsar, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Guwahati. The warning extends to parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. The forecast also predicts light rain and snow in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
As temperatures continue to dip and the fog thickens, authorities in Gautam Buddh Nagar have ordered the suspension of school classes until 8 am due to the cold wave conditions. The IMD forecasts a low of 8°C for Friday.
Travelers are urged to remain vigilant, stay updated on weather conditions, and check the status of their flights and trains to avoid further disruptions.
