Dense fog chokes Delhi-NCR, triggers flight delays and slows traffic

Delhi-NCR woke up to dense fog and smog on Monday. Visibility plunged across large parts of the region. As a result, roads, flights, and daily routines faced disruption early in the morning.

At 6.30 am, the air quality index in Delhi stood at 196. That placed air quality in the moderate category. However, visibility dropped sharply in several locations. In many areas, it fell below 50 metres. This condition slowed traffic and raised safety concerns.

Meanwhile, major roads and highways saw reduced vehicle movement. Drivers slowed down due to poor sightlines. Areas such as Dhaula Kuan recorded heavy fog cover. Vehicles moved cautiously. Similarly, Akshardham witnessed low visibility. Traffic flow suffered as commuters struggled to navigate through thick fog.

At the same time, air travel faced significant impact. Delhi airport shifted flight operations to CAT III conditions. This system allows aircraft to land in very low visibility. However, such operations often lead to delays. Therefore, the airport issued an early warning to passengers.

In a social media update around 6 am, Delhi airport advised travelers to stay alert. It said dense fog could delay arrivals and departures. It also asked passengers to contact airlines for updates. Additionally, airport staff remained available at all terminals to assist travelers.

CAT III technology plays a critical role during such weather. It supports aircraft landing even when runway visibility drops to 50 metres. It guides pilots through radio-based vertical and lateral signals. Despite this support, congestion and delays still occur during prolonged fog.

Soon after, airlines issued their own advisories. IndiGo warned that low visibility over Delhi could disrupt schedules. The airline said it continued to monitor weather conditions closely. It also assured passengers of safety and on-ground assistance.

Similarly, SpiceJet released a travel advisory. It warned that arrivals, departures, and connecting flights could face delays. The airline urged passengers to check flight status frequently through official channels. These advisories reflected growing concern over worsening weather.

Beyond Delhi-NCR, dense fog affected other parts of north India. Several airports reported near-zero visibility. These included Sarsawa, Agra, Bareilly, and Hindon in Uttar Pradesh. Bhatinda airport in Punjab also faced similar conditions. As a result, regional air traffic faced disruption.

Meanwhile, the weather department issued alerts early in the day. At 7 am, its nowcast placed orange to red warnings over West Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and coastal Andhra Pradesh. The department said dense to very dense fog could persist for two to three hours.

Air quality data from neighboring cities showed mixed trends. Gurugram recorded an AQI of 184, which stayed in the moderate range. In contrast, Noida and Ghaziabad reported poor air quality. Their AQI levels reached 202 and 246, respectively.

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department had forecast moderate fog for Monday. It also predicted a maximum temperature of around 21 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature could hover near 11 degrees Celsius.

Finally, the department noted a broader seasonal shift. Above-normal temperatures this month reduced cold nights. Afternoons turned warmer. As a result, winter conditions appeared to retreat earlier than usual.