Delhi woke up to dense fog on Saturday, severely affecting normal life across the city. Visibility on many roads dropped sharply, causing difficulties for commuters and making driving hazardous. Traffic moved slowly in several areas as drivers navigated through the thick fog.
Impact on Air Travel
The most visible effect of the fog was on air travel, though operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) continued without a complete shutdown. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) implemented Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) from early morning. A 6:10 AM advisory warned passengers of potential delays and advised checking flight status with respective airlines before leaving for the airport.
Flights faced delays for the second consecutive day due to fog. On Friday, authorities reported at least 177 flights were canceled, while over 500 flights were delayed. FlightRadar24 data indicated around 500 flights experienced delays throughout the day. Despite CAT-III operations, which allow landings in very low visibility, delays were unavoidable.
Weather Warning and Safety Advisory
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Saturday, predicting dense fog throughout the day and challenging weather conditions. Experts advised people to avoid stepping out unnecessarily and take precautions, especially children, elderly people, and those with respiratory problems.
Air Quality Concerns
Delhi’s air quality worsened significantly due to the fog and pollution. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached hazardous levels in several areas by 6 AM. ITO recorded an AQI of 429, while Vivek Vihar (425), Anand Vihar (423), Jahangirpuri (420), Nehru Nagar (418), and Wazirpur (417) also showed critical air quality. AQI levels above 400 pose serious health risks for vulnerable groups.
Government and Airline Advisory
In response to passenger difficulties, the Civil Aviation Ministry issued a special advisory Friday night. Airlines were instructed to provide timely updates, arrange food and refreshments for long delays, ensure rebooking or refunds for canceled flights, and avoid denying boarding to passengers who arrived on time.
Major airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, warned that airports such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Patna could also face fog-related disruptions. IndiGo advised travelers to check flight status before traveling.
Continued Disruption Expected
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious while traveling, both on roads and in the air, as the fog is expected to persist. The combination of poor visibility and high air pollution makes Saturday a challenging day for Delhiites.
