A thick blanket of fog continued to disrupt life across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) for the third consecutive day, severely impacting flight and train operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for dense fog, cautioning residents about reduced visibility during morning hours.
Flight Operations Affected
At the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), over 160 flights were impacted due to the fog. Officials reported delays for more than 155 flights, particularly for aircraft not equipped with advanced CAT III navigation systems. At least eight flights were cancelled, while landings and takeoffs for CAT III-compliant flights continued.
The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) issued an advisory around 7 am, reassuring passengers of ongoing operations but warning of potential delays for non-CAT III-compliant flights. General visibility at the airport dropped to zero at 7:30 am.
Train Delays Across the Capital
The dense fog also disrupted rail services, with over 50 trains delayed by an average of four to six hours. The Railways urged passengers to check their train status before traveling. On Saturday, near-zero visibility led to delays for 81 trains and the diversion of 15 flights.
Longest Zero-Visibility Spell of the Season
Delhi recorded its longest zero-visibility spell of the season on Saturday, with Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather station, reporting eight hours of zero visibility. The maximum temperature was 20°C, slightly above the average, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 7.8°C.
Air Quality in ‘Very Poor’ Category
The air quality in Delhi-NCR remained in the ‘very poor’ category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 377 this morning. An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as ‘very poor,’ posing health risks to vulnerable groups.
IMD Advisory
The IMD has warned that dense fog conditions will persist during the morning hours, further affecting visibility and transportation. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and plan their journeys accordingly.
Conclusion
With dense fog continuing to disrupt daily life and air quality remaining poor, Delhi-NCR residents are bracing for more challenges in the coming days. Authorities have urged commuters to stay updated on transportation schedules and take necessary precautions to navigate the foggy conditions.
Sources By Agencies
