For the second day in a row, dense fog has blanketed northern India, lowering temperatures and severely impacting transportation systems, including trains and flights. The visibility in many areas has dropped to zero, causing significant disruptions across the region.
At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, over 170 flights have been delayed, and 38 flights have been canceled due to the foggy conditions. Airports in Srinagar, Chandigarh, Agra, Lucknow, Amritsar, Hindon, and Gwalior have reported zero visibility, further complicating air travel. Passengers are being advised to check with airlines for updates on flight schedules.
In addition to the flight disruptions, over 50 trains arriving in Delhi are running behind schedule. Notable delays include the 22436 New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, which is running over four hours late, and the Varanasi Vande Bharat Express, which has been delayed by 14 hours. The New Delhi Vande Bharat Express and Anand Vihar Terminal Superfast Express are also facing delays of more than seven hours.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for dense to very dense fog in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Punjab and Haryana, with the visibility at Delhi airport currently at zero. The IMD has also forecast that the fog will persist until January 8, with light rain expected in Delhi on January 6.
IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have all issued statements confirming delays due to poor visibility. IndiGo highlighted the ongoing impact on its flight schedules due to reduced visibility, while Air India and SpiceJet have advised passengers to check flight statuses as delays and cancellations may continue.
In addition to the flight disruptions, the dense fog is also contributing to a “cold day” in Delhi, where temperatures have dipped to 10°C as of Saturday morning. The minimum temperature has remained under 10°C, with a significant difference from the usual temperatures for this period, classifying it as a “cold day.”
As of the latest report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is over 240, categorized as ‘Very Unhealthy,’ prompting concerns about health and air quality.
With visibility expected to remain poor, authorities continue to advise caution and recommend that travelers stay updated with the latest weather reports and transport advisories.
