Heavy fog severely disrupted air travel in the national capital on Saturday, leading to the cancellation of more than a hundred flights at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The dense fog blanket, affecting large parts of North India, drastically reduced visibility, forcing airlines to alter their schedules.
Widespread Flight Disruptions and Passenger Advisory
Airport authorities confirmed that a total of 129 flights were cancelled—66 arrivals and 63 departures. In response to the persistent low visibility conditions, IGI Airport issued a passenger advisory, urging travelers to get in touch with their respective airlines for the most current flight information before heading to the airport. While operations continued for other flights, officials warned passengers to anticipate possible delays.
Airlines Monitor Weather, Issue Specific Warnings
Leading carrier IndiGo proactively released a travel advisory, cautioning passengers about potential delays and cancellations at several airports. The airline specifically named Ranchi, Jammu, and Hindon airports as being affected by the fog-induced low visibility. "We are monitoring the situation closely and doing our best to ensure safe and smooth travel," the airline stated, advising passengers to check their flight status regularly online.
The impact was also felt at Jaisalmer Airport, where fog hampered flight operations. Authorities there instructed airlines to strictly follow all passenger facilitation protocols to maintain safety and minimize inconvenience during the disruptions.
Air Quality Plummets to 'Very Poor' Levels
Compounding the travel woes, the air quality in Delhi took a sharp turn for the worse on Saturday morning. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 384 at 8 am, categorizing it as 'very poor'. This marked a deterioration from Friday's reading of 374. The toxic smog, settling over large swathes of the city, not only reduced visibility further but also caused significant discomfort to residents, creating a dual challenge of travel chaos and health concerns.
The combination of dense fog and poor air quality created a difficult situation for both aviation authorities and citizens, highlighting the seasonal challenges faced by North India during the winter months. Travelers are strongly advised to stay updated with real-time information from their airlines until weather conditions improve.
