Dense fog blanketed Delhi for the second consecutive day, severely disrupting travel operations and impacting daily life. Early Saturday morning, 19 flights were diverted, and over 200 were delayed at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The dense fog also affected railways, with 81 trains delayed due to reduced visibility.
According to an official, 19 flights were rerouted between 12:15 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. while IndiGo, India’s largest airline, temporarily suspended arrivals and departures. On the rail front, heavy fog delayed the New Delhi Vande Bharat Express by over four hours and the Varanasi Vande Bharat Express by an astounding 14 hours.
Visibility at Delhi airport dropped to zero around 7 a.m. under CAT III conditions, which allow limited operations using advanced technology. However, aircraft not equipped with CAT III compliance faced operational difficulties. Travelers were urged to stay in touch with their airlines for real-time updates.
The air quality in Delhi also plummeted, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 383, categorizing the air as “very bad,” according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Combined with a chilly 7°C morning, the fog significantly impacted daily life, forcing many residents to rely on bonfires and night shelters to combat the cold.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert, warning of continued rainfall and low visibility over the weekend. By late Friday night, visibility had been entirely lost at Palam and Safdarjung, with dense fog persisting into Saturday morning.
Northern Railway reported delays of up to six hours for 59 trains and about eight hours for 22 others, adding to the city’s travel woes.
Officials advise Delhi residents to minimize exposure to outdoor pollution, take precautions to safeguard their health, and avoid essential travel during high pollution and poor visibility conditions.
