Delhi's Chilling Fog Disrupts Travel: 100+ Flights Delayed and 26 Trains Affected at IGI Airport

On Wednesday, dense fog blanketed parts of Delhi-NCR, particularly Ghaziabad and Noida, leading to near-zero visibility conditions. The weather phenomenon significantly impacted travel and daily activities in the region.

A thick blanket of fog enveloped various locations in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday, resulting in severely reduced visibility. The adverse weather conditions led to significant delays for numerous trains and over a hundred flights operating in and out of the city.

Areas such as Noida and Ghaziabad experienced near-zero visibility during the early morning hours, exacerbated by the ongoing cold wave in the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the possibility of light rain or drizzles throughout the day. The anticipated temperature range for the national capital is a minimum of 9 degrees Celsius, with a daytime high reaching 19 degrees Celsius.

According to reports, the heavy fog caused disruptions for as many as 26 trains, as reported by the news agency ANI. Here is a list of some of the affected trains and their respective delays:

1. Bihar S Kranti - Delayed by 205 minutes
2. Shram Shkti Exp - Delayed by 188 minutes
3. Gorakhdham Exp - Delayed by 230 minutes
4. NDLS Humsafar - Delayed by 185 minutes
5. Mahabodhi Exp - Delayed by 328 minutes
6. Vaishali Exp - Delayed by 202 minutes
7. SLN ANVT Exp - Delayed by 68 minutes
8. Shramjeevi Exp - Delayed by 100 minutes
9. Ayodhya Express - Delayed by 199 minutes
10. Lucknow Mail - Delayed by 101 minutes
11. Padmavat Express - Delayed by 139 minutes
12. LKO NDLS AC Exp - Delayed by 82 minutes
13. SAPT Kranti Exp - Delayed by 81 minutes
14. HAPA SVDK Express - Delayed by 71 minutes
15. Malwa Express - Delayed by 188 minutes
16. KCVL Sampark Kranti Exp - Delayed by 83 minutes
17. JBP NZM SF Exp - Delayed by 180 minutes
18. Gondwana Express - Delayed by 159 minutes
19. Mewar Express - Delayed by 61 minutes
20. NZM Duronto Express - Delayed by 61 minutes
21. SNSI Kalka Exp - Delayed by 101 minutes
22. UP SMPRK Kranti Exp - Delayed by 203 minutes
23. BDTS LKU SF Exp - Delayed by 60 minutes
24. Telangana Exp - Delayed by 104 minutes
25. RKMP NZM SF Exp - Delayed by 88 minutes
26. Sampark Kranti Exp - Delayed by 89 minutes

In addition to the train delays, more than 100 flights at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were also impacted due to the poor visibility conditions, according to news agency PTI. However, airport officials confirmed that no flights had yet been diverted or canceled.

In light of the foggy weather, the Delhi Airport issued an advisory urging passengers to remain informed about their flight status. The update posted on the official social media account stated, "While landings and take-offs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may experience disruptions." It was suggested that passengers reach out to their airlines for the latest information regarding their flights.

The CAT III facility enables flights to operate under low visibility conditions, which is crucial during such foggy weather.

IndiGo airlines also informed its passengers to expect possible delays, indicating that they were monitoring the situation closely to ensure safety and smooth travel experiences. The airline encouraged travelers to check their flight status through the airline’s website or mobile application and reassured them of the available assistance.

Visual imagery from various locations across Delhi, including Dhaula Kuan, India Gate, Nirankari Colony, and Shankar Vihar, showcased the severity of the dense fog affecting the roads.

The weather department also indicated that winds from the southeast direction would be relatively calm, with speeds under 4 km/h in the morning. Subsequently, while wind speeds may pick up in the afternoon, they are expected to diminish again during evening and night hours.

Moreover, the Delhi-NCR area is predicted to encounter shallow fog or smog later in the day, as indicated by the IMD. Surrounding regions, including parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, are also forecasted to experience dense to very dense fog conditions throughout Wednesday and the following two or three days.