Fog disrupts travel in Delhi, grounds flights, delays trains

New Delhi, Jan 31: Delhi is grappling with a dense fog and witnessed widespread travel disruptions as numerous flights and trains faced delays on Wednesday. Approximately 50 flights and nearly two dozen trains operated by the northern railways experienced setbacks due to reduced visibility.

Anticipating the adverse weather conditions, Delhi airport authorities issued a flight advisory, urging passengers to stay informed by contacting their respective airlines for updated flight information.

The advisory specifically highlighted that flights not compliant with Category III (CAT III) standards might encounter disruptions. CAT III runways enable aircraft to land safely even in conditions of poor visibility.

The impact of the foggy weather on travel was not a novel occurrence in the city. In December, a similar scenario led to over 100 flight delays, contributing to significant travel chaos. Complaints about delays and cancellations flooded social media platforms, reflecting the frustration of affected travelers.

Videos and photos circulating on Wednesday morning showcased the city and its suburbs blanketed in thick fog, obscuring roads and buildings. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported visibility dropping to zero in various localities, attributing it to the prevalent cold wave conditions experienced not only in Delhi but across northern India throughout January.

As Wednesday progressed into the afternoon, light rains accompanied by gusty winds added to the weather's complexity. The IMD further forecasted moderate fog in the upcoming days, indicating that the challenging weather conditions were likely to persist.

Dense fog during winter is a typical phenomenon in Delhi and northern India, but this season's cold has broken several records. According to an IMD report, Delhi is currently undergoing its coldest January in 13 years.