A severe wave of dense fog has caused widespread disruption across Delhi and its surrounding regions, affecting all modes of transportation and creating significant challenges for travelers. The weather conditions, compounded by plummeting temperatures, have led to major delays and cancellations across air, rail, and road networks.
Impact on Air Travel: Delhi Airport, one of India’s busiest aviation hubs, faced significant disruptions due to the dense fog:
Flight Delays: A total of 184 flights were delayed, impacting thousands of passengers.
Cancellations: At least seven flights were cancelled, leaving travelers stranded.
Operational Advisory: Travelers were advised to stay updated on flight statuses. CAT III-compliant aircraft were able to operate, but those not meeting these standards were subject to delays or diversions.
Budget Carriers: Airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet issued warnings about possible delays and encouraged passengers to regularly check for updates.
Railway Operations Affected: Train services also faced major delays:
Late Arrivals: 26 trains arrived late in Delhi due to poor visibility.
Schedule Adjustments: Timings for six trains were modified to accommodate delays.
Tourism Impact: The disruptions affected tourists who rely on trains to visit popular destinations, adding uncertainty to travel plans.
Road Traffic Slows to a Crawl: On the roads, heavy fog caused severe traffic slowdowns, leading to a chaotic commute across Delhi and surrounding areas.
