Till Saturday morning, January 4, 2025, there was dense fog in Delhi and surrounding areas, due to which there were a lot of problems in transportation. Visibility has reduced drastically, with visibility close to zero in some areas, affecting both air and rail travel.
Flight operations:
Dense fog delayed over 100 flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday morning. Though low visibility procedures are in place, operations are being hampered due to challenging conditions.
Rail services:
Several rail services in the capital have also been delayed due to the fog.
Weather forecast:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that ‘dense fog’ conditions are expected to persist in Delhi today and tomorrow.
Health advisory:
The air quality in Delhi remained in the ‘very poor’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) score at 351, well above the ‘good’ category of minus 50. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
Dense fog has caused severe fog at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where more than 400 flights have been delayed. The foggy conditions have greatly reduced visibility, making it challenging for planes to land and take off safely. Such weather-related problems are common during winter in north India, where dense fog often disrupts air, road and rail travel.
Airports usually implement low visibility procedures (LVP) during such conditions, with passengers advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time for travel.
Tips for residents and travellers:
For air travellers: Check flight status from airlines before heading to the airport and anticipate possible delays.
For rail travellers: Confirm train schedules in advance, as services may be affected due to fog.
For road users: Exercise caution while driving; use fog lights and maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
Health precautions: Given the poor air quality, consider wearing a mask and using air purifiers indoors to reduce health risks.
Officials are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions evolve. Residents and travelers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and news outlets.