The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Monday issued a crucial travel advisory for passengers as a thick blanket of smog and dense fog severely disrupted flight operations across several airports in northern India. The advisory urged travelers to stay informed through official channels and plan for extra time.
Airlines and Ministry Issue Urgent Advisories
The ministry shared customer support numbers for various airlines and stated that due to the persistent fog, flight operations at select airports were being impacted, leading to probable delays. It strongly advised passengers to check official airline communications, arrive at airports earlier than usual, and adjust their travel plans accordingly.
Major airlines quickly followed suit with their own updates. IndiGo reported foggy conditions across Delhi and other northern airports, warning that continued low visibility could affect departures and arrivals throughout the day. The airline said it was monitoring the situation closely and making operational adjustments.
"We recommend checking your latest flight status before leaving for the airport," an IndiGo statement read, also suggesting passengers account for potential road traffic delays due to the fog. Air India stated it had taken proactive steps to minimize disruptions for its passengers.
Delhi Airport Switches to CAT III Ops, Visibility Plummets
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport confirmed that all flight operations were being conducted under CAT III conditions, a protocol for landing in very low visibility. This situation, necessitated by the dense fog, was resulting in flight delays and some cancellations. Airport authorities assured that ground teams were actively assisting affected travelers.
Capital Wakes Up to 'Severe' Air and Chilling Fog
The travel chaos coincided with a sharp deterioration in Delhi's air quality. On Monday morning, the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 402, plunging into the 'severe' category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marked a significant decline from an AQI of 390 (very poor) recorded on the afternoon of December 28.
CPCB data revealed alarming pollution levels in several localities:
- Anand Vihar: AQI 455 (Severe)
- Wazirpur: AQI 443 (Severe)
- Rohini: AQI 442 (Severe)
- Punjabi Bagh: AQI 426 (Severe)
- Bawana: AQI 411 (Severe)
While some areas like Dwarka Sector-8, IGI Airport T3, and IIT Delhi recorded slightly better readings, they still remained in the 'very poor' category. The city was also enveloped in a dense fog layer, drastically reducing visibility. Residents reported discomfort, and motorists were compelled to use headlights during the day. Thick fog was notably observed in areas including Dhaula Kuan, Akshardham, and Kartavya Path.
The combined effect of severe pollution and dense fog has created significant challenges for both aviation and daily life in the national capital region, with authorities urging extreme caution.
