New Delhi – The national capital region faced severe air quality and visibility challenges on Sunday as dense fog in Delhi once again disrupted normal life and travel operations. The Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a fresh advisory as the city’s Air Quality Index plummeted to dangerous levels, marking another episode in the region’s ongoing environmental crisis.
IGI Airport Implements Low Visibility Procedures
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport operator DIAL announced on Sunday evening that low visibility procedures were in progress due to the dense fog in Delhi. At 11:03 pm, the airport authority issued an official statement on its X handle, alerting passengers to the challenging weather conditions affecting operations.
“Low visibility procedures are in progress at Delhi airport,” the announcement stated, signaling the implementation of special protocols designed to manage flight operations during adverse weather conditions. Despite the challenging circumstances, DIAL confirmed that all flight operations were currently maintaining normal status.
However, the airport operator urged passengers to remain vigilant and proactive. “While all flight operations are currently normal, passengers are requested to contact their concerned airline for their updated flight information,” DIAL emphasized, acknowledging the potential for sudden changes in flight schedules due to the dense fog in Delhi.
Air Quality Reaches Severe Category
The environmental situation in the capital deteriorated significantly on Sunday, with air quality measurements painting a grim picture. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app, Delhi’s Air Quality Index stood at 404 at approximately 11:20 pm, firmly placing it in the ‘severe’ category.
This alarming AQI level, combined with the dense fog in Delhi, created a double challenge for residents and authorities alike. The severe air quality poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations including children, elderly citizens, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
Airlines Issue Travel Advisories
Recognizing the potential impact of weather conditions on flight operations, major airlines serving the capital issued precautionary advisories to passengers scheduled to travel through Delhi.
Air India released a comprehensive travel advisory on Saturday night, warning passengers about probable disruptions in flight operations. “Weather forecast for tomorrow morning indicates dense fog with low visibility in parts of northern India, including Delhi, which is likely to impact flight operations,” the airline stated on its official X handle.
The airline acknowledged taking proactive measures to minimize disruptions but remained realistic about the challenges posed by dense fog in Delhi. “Although proactive steps have been taken to minimise any disruption, there is a possibility of unexpected delays, diversions, or cancellations,” Air India’s advisory noted, assuring passengers that ground teams would provide necessary assistance during any disruptions.
SpiceJet also issued a similar advisory, specifically highlighting concerns about Delhi airport operations. The airline warned that “all departures and arrivals at Delhi and their consequential flights might get affected due to concerns over poor visibility.” Passengers were advised to monitor their flight status through the airline’s official website to stay informed about any changes.
Widespread Visibility Challenges Across NCR
The dense fog in Delhi extended well beyond the airport, affecting the entire National Capital Region. Residents across Delhi-NCR reported experiencing low and near-zero visibility in several areas, particularly in Noida.
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Just over a week after Delhi’s IGI airport operations faced similar weather-related challenges, the city found itself enveloped once again in a thick blanket of fog. The situation was particularly severe in Noida, where residents documented the hazardous conditions on social media.
One resident shared video footage on X, cautioning fellow travelers: “Dense fog blankets Delhi-NCR, especially Noida. Travel with caution.” The visual evidence showed the intensity of the fog covering the area, making normal visibility nearly impossible.
Another resident posted similar documentation, emphasizing the severity of conditions with a brief but telling message: “Noida rn! Fog hi fog,” accompanied by video showing extremely poor visibility throughout the area.
Impact on Daily Life and Travel
The dense fog in Delhi created significant challenges for daily commuters and travelers throughout the region. The combination of poor visibility and severe air quality forced residents to exercise extreme caution during travel, with authorities recommending people avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure.
Road traffic across the NCR moved at slower speeds as drivers navigated through the thick fog, while pedestrians faced difficulties in basic navigation. The conditions necessitated additional safety measures across all modes of transportation.
Preparedness and Safety Measures
Aviation authorities and airlines remained on high alert, continuously monitoring weather conditions to ensure passenger safety. The implementation of low visibility procedures at IGI airport demonstrated the coordinated response to the dense fog in Delhi, with trained personnel following established protocols to manage aircraft movements safely.
As the situation continues to evolve, residents and travelers are advised to stay updated through official channels, check flight statuses regularly, and prioritize safety over convenience when dealing with the persistent challenge of dense fog in Delhi and surrounding areas.
