Delhi's winter woes have escalated dramatically, severely impacting air travel with more than 190 flights facing disruptions. The national capital is grappling with a dangerous cocktail of plunging temperatures, dense fog, and hazardous air quality, creating a perfect storm for travel chaos and public health concerns.
Convergence of Extreme Winter Conditions
A severe cold wave has gripped Delhi, with authorities issuing an official alert as temperatures continue to drop sharply. Compounding the crisis, the city's air quality has remained entrenched in the 'severe' category, creating a toxic blanket over the region. This dual threat of extreme cold and heavy pollution is now being exacerbated by persistent dense fog, drastically reducing visibility.
Widespread Airport Disruption and Commuter Woes
The harsh weather conditions have directly hit operations at Delhi's airports. Major airlines have been forced to delay or cancel a significant number of flights. Over 190 flights across key domestic and international routes have been disrupted, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or facing major itinerary changes. The disruptions are widespread, affecting most major routes connected to the capital.
In response to the escalating situation, both aviation authorities and individual airlines have begun issuing travel advisories. They are urging passengers to check their flight status regularly before heading to the airport. Commuters are being advised to brace for further delays and potential cancellations as meteorological forecasts predict no immediate respite from the intense winter conditions.
Public Health and Mobility Concerns Rise
Beyond travel, the convergence of these extreme conditions raises serious alarms for public health and daily mobility. The severe air pollution combined with the cold wave poses significant respiratory and cardiovascular risks, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions. The dense fog also contributes to hazardous road conditions, increasing the risk of accidents and slowing down vehicular traffic across the city and its outskirts.
The situation, updated as of 21 December 2025, 09:02 pm IST, remains fluid. With winter intensifying, authorities are on high alert, monitoring the conditions closely. The coming days are critical, and residents as well as travelers are being warned to prepare for continued disruptions until weather patterns shift.
