Dense fog in north India: Flights and trains disrupted by zero visibility; Delhi airport issues warning | Details

Delhi cold wave: Visibility at Delhi’s Palam Airport dropped to nothing due to intense fog, while Safdarjung Airport reported only 50 metres.

Delhi cold wave: The bitter winter chill has strengthened its grip on north India, including Delhi, with dense fog blanketing the country and temperatures dropping even more. The minimum temperature in Delhi was 9.6°C on Friday morning, making it the sixth consecutive frigid day. Visibility in areas of the capital has plunged to near-zero levels, hampering transit and daily routine.
Flights and railroads are impacted.
Visibility at Delhi’s Palam Airport dropped to nothing, while Safdarjung Airport recorded about 50 metres. Although commercial flights were operational, carriers such as SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India experienced delays. Passengers reported average hold-ups of 5-11 minutes, with several flights to Amritsar and Guwahati severely impacted.

Amid the current dense fog conditions, Delhi airport authorities issued a caution on Friday, stating that planes that were not CAT III compliant would be disrupted.

Taking to social media X, the authority noted in a post, “While landing and takeoffs continue at Delhi airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may be impacted.”

Furthermore, airport officials advised travelers to contact the airlines directly for up-to-date flight information.

Noida: Classes up to grade 8 have been suspended due to the ongoing cold wave.

Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information, according to the post.

The inconvenience caused to passengers was lamented.

Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted, the post continued.

The trains were no exception. Over two dozen trains leaving Delhi were delayed due to low visibility, including the Ayodhya Express, which was four hours late, and the Gorakhdham Express, which was two hours behind schedule.

North India shivers.
The chilly wave spread across northern states. Lucknow awoke to a cool 8°C, while Jaipur measured 10.2°C. The temperature in Srinagar dropped to -1.3°C, while snowfall disrupted air travel.

In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited a winter shelter near Jaipur’s Gandhinagar Railway Station, where he distributed blankets and reassured locals about the plans. “No one should face any difficulty in this weather,” he told reporters.

Relief for the homeless.
Many people in Delhi now rely on night shelters for survival. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has established 235 pagoda tents to provide warmth and safety to the homeless. Hundreds are seeking refuge from the bitter cold at locations such as AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and the Nizamuddin flyover.

“I’m grateful for this shelter,” remarked a young man in a night shelter along Lodhi Road. I can’t imagine making it through the night without it.” The street corner bonfires became a haven for those braving the harsh weather.

Fog and Pollution.
The fog wasn’t the only problem; Delhi’s air quality deteriorated significantly, with an AQI of 348, classified as’very poor.’ The thick pollution exacerbated the suffering of inhabitants who were already dealing with the bitter cold.

IMD Prediction.
The IMD forecasts severe fog in Delhi until January 8, with a probability of light rain on January 6, which may provide some relief. Meanwhile, authorities continue to warn travelers to monitor airline and rail status updates and prepare for potential delays.