Delhi grapples with dense fog and smog; Flights operations back to normal, trains delayed

New Delhi: Dense fog and toxic smog severely disrupted travel across the capital on Thursday morning, with flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport affected and dozens of trains running late.

At 8:10 am, Delhi Airport issued a fog advisory on X, warning passengers of possible delays under CAT III conditions. “Due to dense fog, flight operations are currently under CAT III conditions, which may lead to delays or disruptions. We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to passengers,” the post read. Passengers were urged to check directly with airlines for the latest updates.

At 10:08 am, IGI airport stated on X that flight operations were running smoothly.

However, by mid-morning, 22 flights had been cancelled and more than 250 were delayed, according to a report by the Hindustan Times. Airport authorities confirmed that Low Visibility Procedures (LVPs) were in force, though operations continued with restrictions.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) also issued a weather advisory warning of dense fog across Northern India, cautioning travellers about reduced visibility and potential flight delays at several airports.

In a statement posted on X at around 8 am, AAI said, “Persistent fog is affecting several airports across Northern India, resulting in low visibility and possible flight delays.” Passengers were urged to confirm their flight status with airlines before travelling and to allow extra time for their journeys.

IndiGo Airlines also released a travel advisory, highlighting possible disruption at select destinations. “Low visibility and fog over Ranchi, Patna, and Varanasi may impact flight schedules,” the airline noted, adding that it was closely monitoring conditions. A later advisory posted at 11:16 am warned of fog in Gorakhpur and “parts of the eastern region”.

The airline reassured passengers saying, “We are doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly.” The airline encouraged travellers to check updates regularly via its website or mobile app.

Train services delayed

Rail services were also hit hard. More than 22 trains were delayed, with some facing severe disruptions, according to an NDTV report.

AQI remains ‘very poor’ in Delhi

Meanwhile, large parts of Delhi were shrouded in a thick layer of smog, compounding the disruption. Air quality levels across the city remained hazardous.

The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 358 at around 10 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to figures released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

RK Puram recorded an AQI of 374 (‘very poor’).

Anand Vihar reported 415 (‘severe’), prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke GRAP Stage-IV measures.

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium registered 349 (‘very poor’).

Najafgarh stood at 284 (‘poor to very poor’).

Dhaula Kuan recorded 266 (‘poor’).

ISBT Kashmere Gate reported 384 (‘very poor’).

The blanket of smog significantly reduced visibility and caused discomfort for residents across the capital.

Earlier in the day, Transport Enforcement teams carried out vehicle inspections across the National Capital as part of stepped-up measures to tackle worsening air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.

(With ANI inputs)