Dense fog blankets Delhi-NCR, over 129 flights canceled
What's the story
Extreme fog has disrupted air, rail, and road transport across northern India, particularly in Delhi. The Indira Gandhi International Airport saw 129 flight cancellations due to low visibility. Of these, 66 were arriving flights, and 63 were departing ones. Many other flights were also delayed or rescheduled amid the dense fog conditions.
Airport operations
Delhi airport operates under CAT III low-visibility conditions
The Delhi airport was functioning under CAT III low-visibility procedures, allowing landings and take-offs with restrictions. Major airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa, experienced delays due to these conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Delhi, predicting dense to very dense fog throughout the day.
Government intervention
Ministry of Civil Aviation issues guidelines for airlines
The Ministry of Civil Aviation had earlier directed airlines to follow passenger facilitation norms during low-visibility conditions. Airlines are required to provide timely updates on delays, rescheduling, cancelations and diversions. For delays beyond prescribed limits, they must offer meals or re-routing/rescheduling without extra charges and hotel accommodation for overnight disruptions.
Regional impact
Dense fog disrupts transport services in northern states
Apart from Delhi, dense fog affected transport services in other northern states. Dehradun Airport witnessed low visibility affecting flight operations. Rail services in the city were also delayed due to near-zero visibility conditions. In Jammu, thick fog impacted air and surface transport, while Bihar saw several flights delayed or canceled due to dense fog at Patna airport.
Pollution crisis
Pollution levels remain high in Delhi amid fog
Along with the extreme fog, pollution levels in Delhi continued to remain in the "very poor" to "severe" categories. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city stood at 376 at 7am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Several areas recorded AQI readings above 400, including ITO (429), Vivek Vihar (425), Anand Vihar (423), Jahangirpuri (420), Nehru Nagar (418), and Wazirpur (417).