Over 200 Flights Delayed, Train Operations Disrupted in Delhi as Dense Fog Reduces Visibility to Zero

Dense fog continues to impact Delhi, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Guwahati, causing travel chaos and extreme weather warnings.

New Delhi: A thick blanket of fog enveloped North India, significantly reducing visibility and disrupting transportation networks across the region. In the National Capital, operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were severely affected, with over 200 flights delayed and visibility dropping to zero in some areas.

Flight Delays and Advisory for Passengers

Flights of major airlines, including SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India, faced significant delays due to the weather conditions. According to FlightRadar24, the average delay for arriving flights was six minutes, while departing flights experienced delays of up to 47 minutes.

• SpiceJet reported disruptions for flights to and from Amritsar and Guwahati due to poor weather conditions.
• IndiGo issued a travel advisory urging passengers to check flight schedules, highlighting affected routes such as Delhi, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Guwahati.
• Airlines warned that cancellations might occur if visibility remained poor.

Passengers were advised to monitor updates from their airlines and plan their travel accordingly.

Impact on Train Operations

Dense fog also disrupted rail services in Delhi and nearby areas. At least 24 trains departing from Delhi were delayed, with some experiencing hours-long disruptions:

• The Ayodhya Express was delayed by four hours.
• The Gorakhdham Express was running over two hours late.
• The Bihar Kranti Express and Shram Shakti Express were delayed by more than three hours.

Several routes have been adjusted with changed timings, and passengers were advised to check their train schedules before departure.

Weather and Visibility Conditions

Delhi recorded its fifth consecutive “cold day” on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting a maximum temperature of 16°C—three degrees below normal—and a minimum of 7.6°C. Morning visibility reports indicated:

• Palam Airport: 0 meters
• Safdarjung Airport: 50 meters

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 309 at Lodhi Road, categorizing it as “very poor.”

The IMD’s Nowcast warning predicted dense to very dense fog across Delhi and other cities, including Lucknow, Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Guwahati. Key regions under the dense fog warning include:

• Rajasthan: Kota, Bundi, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Churu, Sri Ganganagar, Tonk
• Punjab: Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala
• Haryana: Kurukshetra, Ambala, Panchkula, Yamunanagar

Meanwhile, parts of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh are expected to experience light rain and snowfall, offering some relief to the arid conditions.

Cold Wave and School Closures

A “cold day” is defined when the minimum temperature is below 10°C, and the deviation from the normal maximum or minimum temperature is at least 4.5°C. Delhi and neighboring regions continue to experience biting cold conditions.

In Gautam Buddh Nagar, authorities have ordered the suspension of classes for students up to Grade 8 in all schools until further notice. The IMD predicts a minimum temperature of 8°C on Friday, with fog expected to persist through January 8.

Travel Chaos and Public Response

The dense fog has not only impacted travel schedules but also posed challenges for commuters on the ground. Visibility on roads has been drastically reduced, leading to slower traffic and increased travel times. Travelers have expressed frustration over delays but acknowledge the safety measures taken by airlines and railways under the adverse weather conditions.

As North India continues to grapple with dense fog and plummeting temperatures, authorities are urging caution and advising citizens to stay updated on travel advisories.

Stay tuned for further updates on the weather and its impact on transportation across the region.