In brief
Travel in Delhi has been severely disrupted as smog leads to zero visibility and numerous delays in flights and trains.
Dense fog has brought significant travel disruptions to Delhi this Friday, with visibility dropping to zero. Reports indicate that over 150 flights have been delayed, alongside numerous trains running behind schedule. The ongoing winter season is notorious for such weather phenomena in northern India, where cold temperatures trap pollutants, causing air quality to plummet. Currently, the air quality index in parts of Delhi is above 400, exceeding the World Health Organization's safe limit by more than 25 times.In response, the Delhi government has reinstated pollution control measures, including halting construction activities and transitioning classes to online formats to combat the hazardous conditions. Eyewitness accounts and visuals from affected areas reveal a thick blanket of fog obscuring both roads and buildings.At Delhi airport, an advisory has been issued, cautioning passengers of potential disruptions due to limited visibility. Airport operations continue, but flights that don't comply with CAT III standards may experience further complications. Tracking data shows departures are already delayed by over 30 minutes.Passengers have voiced frustrations on social media, with some reporting a lack of information about their flights. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways has confirmed that 26 trains to Delhi are delayed as well. The meteorological department has forecast light showers for the weekend, which are anticipated to improve visibility and alleviate the current chaos.
