Heavy fog descended upon the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) on the morning of December 19, throwing daily life and aviation operations into disarray. Residents and travelers in Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad woke up to drastically reduced visibility, creating significant challenges for movement on roads and in the skies.
Flight Operations Hit at IGI Airport
The sudden and intense fog conditions forced authorities at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of the country's busiest aviation hubs, to implement immediate measures. The airport's official handle on X (formerly Twitter) issued a crucial travel advisory for passengers. It stated that due to the prevailing dense fog, flight operations were being managed under CAT III conditions.
While the airport is equipped with advanced Instrument Landing Systems, including CAT-III technology designed for low-visibility scenarios, the intensity of the fog was exceptionally high. This led to unavoidable disruptions in flight schedules. Airlines have strongly urged passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, warning of potential delays, rescheduling, or even cancellations.
IMD Alert and Plummeting Visibility
Adding to the travel woes, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Delhi NCR, forecasting heavy fog during the morning hours. The weather conditions on December 19 were particularly severe, with visibility in many areas dropping to less than 100 metres in the early morning. This combination of fog and smog presents a dual challenge for commuters, significantly impacting road and air traffic safety.
Air Quality Worsens to 'Severe' Levels
Compounding the crisis is the rapid deterioration of air quality in the capital. Official monitoring data indicates that the Air Quality Index (AQI) has once again plunged into the 'severe' category. Disturbingly, readings from at least 14 out of 39 monitoring stations across Delhi crossed the 400 mark. Most other stations recorded AQI levels in the 'very poor' zone, painting a grim picture of the environmental health in the region.
For travelers, this situation translates into extended wait times at the airport, uncertainty over flight schedules, and the need for flexible planning, especially for morning arrivals and departures. As Delhi-NCR braces for more typical winter conditions, authorities are closely monitoring weather forecasts and AQI data. The consistent advice for the public is to stay informed through official channels and plan journeys with caution.
