Over 50 flights delayed at Delhi after visibility drops due to dense fog

Dense fog reduced visibility to zero at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Thursday morning, delaying over 300 flights. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported visibility dropping below 200 metres from 5:30 am to 9:30 am, with the lowest visibility below 50 metres recorded between 7:00 am and 8:00 am. Visibility below 50 metres is classified as "very dense fog," necessitating special operational procedures.

Runway visibility during the fog ranged between 200 and 600 metres, according to IMD senior scientist RK Jenamani. Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) for CAT II and CAT III operations were implemented. Flights compliant with CAT III standards, capable of operating in extremely low visibility, continued, but delays were unavoidable for others. Passengers were advised to confirm flight schedules with airlines. Despite significant delays, no cancellations or diversions were reported.

This season’s fog intensity was among the highest, attributed to minimal wind movement. The IMD confirmed that dense fog conditions disrupted visibility for extended periods. The average flight delay was 18 minutes, with disruptions peaking during early morning hours. Authorities continued to monitor runway visibility to ensure safety and minimize disruption.

Train operations were heavily impacted as dense fog extended across northern India. Over 25 trains departing from Delhi were delayed due to visibility issues. Major delays included the Ayodhya Express, which was four hours late, and the Gorakhdham Express, which ran two hours behind schedule. Road traffic in and around Delhi was also affected due to extremely poor visibility.

North India faced widespread dense fog and cold wave conditions. In Delhi, Thursday recorded a minimum temperature of 9.6°C, while neighboring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Bihar reported similar conditions. In Rajasthan, Fatehpur in Sikar district recorded a low of 3.6°C. Schools in Noida were closed for classes up to Grade 8, while Patna revised school timings to 9:00 am–4:00 pm. The IMD has issued an orange alert for dense to very dense fog in northern India until January 8. Widespread fog is expected to persist, with light rain predicted on January 6, which may slightly improve visibility and temperatures.