On Friday morning, dense fog blanketed Delhi, causing over 100 flight delays at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). Despite the disruptions, no flights were diverted, an official confirmed.
Fog Disrupts Air Travel
The Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) addressed the delays in a post on X, saying:
“While landing and takeoffs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted.”
CAT III systems, designed for low-visibility operations, allowed compliant flights to continue. However, planes without this technology faced significant delays. IGIA, which handles approximately 1,300 daily flight movements, experienced widespread disruptions due to the harsh winter weather.
Rail and Road Travel Also Impacted
Dense fog didn’t just affect air travel. It disrupted rail services at New Delhi railway station, delaying many trains. Meanwhile, commuters struggled with poor visibility on the roads, making travel even more challenging.
Homeless Seek Refuge from the Cold
As temperatures plummeted, homeless individuals sought shelter in temporary accommodations. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) responded by setting up 235 night shelters. These shelters, located at sites like AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and Nizamuddin flyover, provided much-needed warmth and safety. Many residents also gathered around bonfires to fight the chilling cold.
North India Faces Severe Winter Conditions
Elsewhere, North India faced similar winter woes. In Lucknow, the temperature dropped to 8°C early Friday morning. Local authorities established temporary shelters for the homeless, with many residents in Aligarh using these facilities to escape the cold.
Air Quality Remains a Concern
Adding to the challenges, Delhi’s air quality stayed in the “poor” to “very poor” range. Foggy conditions worsened visibility and contributed to the deteriorating environment.
Dense fog, plunging temperatures, and poor air quality continue to impact life across North India, disrupting transportation and putting vulnerable populations at risk.
