Flights, trains disrupted as dense fog reduces visibility in Delhi

Air traffic in the national capital was affected by dense fog and low visibility on Monday morning, leading to 128 flight cancellations, sources at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport said. Eight flights were also diverted and more than 200 were delayed.

Several trains were also reported to be running late as passengers were advised to check the schedule regularly before leaving for railway stations.

Visibility in many areas of Delhi fell to less than 50 metres even as the air turned hazardous. The air quality index at 4.30 p.m. was 401, which falls in the ‘severe’ category.

Low-visibility operations at the airport began shortly before midnight. By 2 a.m., CAT III procedures of the instrument landing system, which allow suitably equipped aircraft to land during near-zero visibility conditions, were pressed into service, said an official.

Conditions improved by 11 a.m., after which aircraft that were not CAT III compliant were also allowed to land. In a post on X, the IGIA said its “ground teams are actively assisting passengers to ensure a smooth travel experience”.

50,000 challans issued

The Delhi police have deployed additional traffic personnel to ensure road safety ahead of the New Year celebrations.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Monika Bharadwaj said the personnel will be provided safety equipment for patrolling during dense fog. The officer added that over the past two days, the police have issued around 50,000 challans, including 453 for drunken driving.

‘Yellow’ alert sounded

The Meteorological Department has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for dense fog on Tuesday morning.

To counter dust pollution, the Delhi government is planning to install anti-smog guns at the three inter-State bus terminals across the city, starting with Kashmere Gate bus terminal, a senior government official said.

He added that eight anti-smog guns will be installed on the roof of the Kashmere Gate bus terminal.