Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) is grappling with severe disruptions due to dense fog, which has led to zero visibility and CAT III conditions since late last night. The adverse weather has significantly impacted flight operations, causing delays and cancellations across the airport.
Weather Conditions
The dense fog began enveloping the capital around 11:30 PM on January 3, 2025, and has persisted into the morning hours. As of 7 AM, visibility remained at zero meters, severely limiting airport operations. The Runway Visual Range (RVR) across all runways has been critically low, ranging from just 100 to 250 meters.
Impact on Flight Operations
As a result of the fog, approximately 150 flights have been affected, with 136 delayed and 33 cancelled. Major airlines such as IndiGo and Air India have issued advisories to passengers regarding the disruptions:
- IndiGo announced that all departures and arrivals were temporarily put on hold due to reduced visibility.
- Air India confirmed that poor visibility was affecting flight operations not only in Delhi but also in parts of northern India.
By 9 AM, there was a slight improvement in visibility, with Palam reporting 50 meters and Safdarjung at 100 meters. However, the earlier disruptions had already led to significant delays in flight schedules.
Train Services Affected
The dense fog has not only disrupted air travel but also caused major delays in train services across northern India. Reports indicate that over 50 trains arriving and departing from New Delhi Railway Station have been delayed due to the weather conditions. Notable delays include:
- The Vande Bharat Express, which is running over four hours late.
- The Varanasi Vande Bharat Express, which is reported to be 14 hours behind schedule.
Ongoing Weather Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts indicating that dense fog is expected to persist in Delhi until at least January 8, 2025. Light rain is also forecasted for January 6, which may further complicate travel plans for commuters.
Conclusion
As Delhi continues to battle severe weather conditions, both air and rail travelers are advised to check their flight and train statuses before heading out. The dense fog has created significant challenges for transportation, highlighting the need for caution during this period of poor visibility.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on current weather reports and may be subject to change as new updates become available. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels regarding flight and train schedules.
