North India hit by dense fog: Flights & trains disrupted, Delhi Airport issues urgent advisory

North India is grappling with harsh winter conditions, including dense fog that has disrupted travel and daily life. Delhi woke up to a cold morning, with temperatures dipping to 9.6°C. Visibility in parts of the city dropped to near zero, creating significant travel disruptions.

At Delhi’s Palam Airport, visibility was zero, and Safdarjung Airport reported just 50 meters. Despite these challenges, flights continued, though delays were inevitable. Airlines like SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India faced hold-ups of 5-11 minutes, with some flights to Amritsar and Guwahati delayed.

Delhi airport issued an advisory, warning that non-CAT III compliant flights would face problems. The airport urged passengers to check with airlines for updated flight information.

Trains also suffered due to poor visibility, with over 20 departing from Delhi delayed. The Ayodhya Express was four hours late, and the Gorakhdham Express was delayed by two hours. The cold wave extended beyond Delhi, with Lucknow at 8°C, Jaipur at 10.2°C, and Srinagar at a chilling -1.3°C, where snowfall further disrupted air travel.

To assist the homeless, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) set up 235 shelters across the city, providing warmth and safety. Night shelters have been crucial, with some residents relying on them for survival. Bonfires in public areas also offered some comfort.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality worsened, with an AQI of 348, categorized as ‘very poor.’ The fog, combined with pollution, added another layer of discomfort. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts dense fog through January 8, with a chance of light rain on January 6 offering a slight respite. Authorities continue to urge travelers to stay updated on possible delays.