Dense fog disrupts flights and trains in Delhi as mercury plummets

A thick blanket of fog covered Delhi on Friday, causing widespread disruption as temperatures plummeted and the city faced a cold wave.

The dense fog significantly reduced visibility, slowing down traffic in the early hours and causing delays for commuters and motorists alike.

Flight and train services were heavily impacted. The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) issued an advisory warning that flights not equipped with CAT III technology would be affected. In a post on X, DIAL said: “While landing and take-offs continue at Delhi airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected.” Passengers were urged to check with their airlines for updated flight information.

Train services were also delayed, with at least 24 departures from Delhi affected. The Ayodhya Express was four hours late, the Gorakhdham Express, delayed by over two hours, and the Bihar Kranti Express and Shram Shakti Express, which were both running more than three hours behind schedule.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a temperature of 9.6°C at 5:30 AM. The city is expected to experience foggy conditions until January 8, with light rain forecasted for January 6.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality worsened from ‘poor’ to ‘very poor.’ The Central Pollution Control Board recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 348 at 6 am. AQI levels between 301 and 400 fall into the ‘very poor’ category, posing health risks, especially for vulnerable groups.

To mitigate the effects of the cold, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) set up 235 pagoda tents for the homeless. Night shelters were also set up at several key locations, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and the Nizamuddin flyover.

The cold wave has affected regions beyond Delhi, with temperatures dipping across North India. Lucknow recorded 8°C at 3:30 AM, while Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir saw temperatures drop to -1.3°C. The heavy snowfall in the region has further disrupted flight operations, with Indigo Airlines issuing a travel advisory for Srinagar-bound flights, urging passengers to stay informed about delays.

“We wish the snowfall could take a brief pause, allowing us to ensure smooth travels for you once again. Stay warm and stay informed,” Indigo said in a statement.