Dense fog has severely disrupted operations at Delhi airport, cancelling 97 flights and delaying over 200 more. Train services are also affected, with major delays reported. Air quality remains hazardous, and authorities have issued advisories urging passengers to check travel status and take necessary precautions due to ongoing winter fog and smog conditions.
A thick blanket of dense fog has brought Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to a near standstill, with 97 flights cancelled and over 200 delayed on Sunday. Train operations across the capital have also been severely disrupted, as visibility plunges and winter’s grip tightens.
Fog Disruption at Delhi Airport
Dense fog has significantly hampered flight operations at Delhi’s airport, with nearly a hundred flights scrapped and hundreds more delayed. The airport has been operating under CAT III conditions, which means flights are taking off and landing with the help of advanced navigation systems due to near-zero visibility. Airlines including IndiGo and Air India have issued advisories, warning passengers to expect further cancellations and delays in the coming days.
Key Highlights
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Flight Cancellations and Delays: At least 97 flights were cancelled and more than 200 delayed at Delhi airport on Sunday, with both domestic and international services affected. The disruptions are expected to continue as the fog persists and visibility remains below operational minima.
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Train Operations Hit: Train schedules in and out of Delhi have also faced major delays, with several long-distance trains running hours behind schedule. Passengers are advised to check their train status regularly and allow extra time for travel.
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Air Quality and Health Warnings: The fog is accompanied by severe smog, with air quality levels dipping into the hazardous zone. Authorities have issued health advisories, urging people with respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activity and use masks when outside.
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Passenger Advisory: Airport authorities and airlines are urging passengers to check flight and train statuses before heading out and to allow additional time for their journeys. Ground staff are deployed across terminals to assist affected travelers.
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Operational Impact: The disruptions are part of a broader winter fog window, with similar conditions affecting other northern airports and rail networks. Authorities expect these challenges to continue until weather patterns improve.
Sources: Delhi International Airport Limited, IndiGo, Air India, Times of India, India Today, NDTV, The New Indian Express, Deccan Herald, NewsOnAir, Hindustan Times, Mathrubhumi, DD India