New Delhi, January 10, 2025 - A thick blanket of fog shrouded the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday, significantly impacting travel as visibility plummeted to zero, causing widespread disruptions. Over 150 flights at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed, with airlines advising passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport. Meanwhile, 26 trains experienced delays, further complicating travel plans for thousands.
The severe fog was reported across various parts of Delhi-NCR, including Rajokri, Safdarjung, and Akshardham, enveloping the region in a dense haze. This weather phenomenon not only affected air and rail services but also brought road traffic to a crawl, with drivers reporting hazardous conditions due to the near-zero visibility.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) issued advisories indicating that while CAT III-compliant flights could still operate, non-compliant aircraft might face difficulties in landing or taking off. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a moderate to very dense fog warning for several states in North India, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, in the days leading up to this event.
The fog has also exacerbated air quality issues, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reaching severe levels, registering at 409 at 6:05 am according to the Sameer app. Consequently, the Centre's panel on Delhi-NCR's air quality reimplemented stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), enforcing measures like a ban on non-essential construction to combat the rising pollution levels.
Local authorities have urged residents to take precautions, advising those with respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activities. The cold wave accompanying the fog has made conditions even harsher, with temperatures hovering around 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, significantly below the seasonal average.
This weather event has left passengers stranded at airports and railway stations, with many expressing frustration over the lack of timely information and the resultant inconvenience. The situation at Delhi airport saw diversions of flights, with some international routes also being impacted.
The disruption extends beyond transportation; daily life in Delhi-NCR has been affected, with schools in some areas closing early and night shelters seeing increased occupancy as many seek refuge from the cold.
As the winter season progresses, the IMD forecasts that such foggy conditions might persist, urging the public to stay updated with weather advisories for any further disruptions in travel and daily routines.
The impact of this fog event underscores the need for better preparedness and infrastructure to handle such meteorological challenges, especially in one of the world's busiest aviation hubs