Severe Fog Disrupts Flight and Train Operations in Delhi

Flight and train services were severely disrupted in Delhi on Sunday morning as a dense blanket of fog enveloped the city, reducing visibility to near zero in several areas, according to official reports.

The national capital experienced biting cold wave conditions, with the minimum temperature dropping to 10 degrees Celsius at 5:30 a.m., slightly lower than the 10.2 degrees Celsius recorded the previous day, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Visuals from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport revealed thick fog shrouding the area, causing significant disruptions in flight operations. A total of 139 flights were delayed, and six were canceled due to the adverse weather conditions.

In an advisory issued on X (formerly Twitter), the Delhi Airport stated:
“While landings and take-offs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted."

The CAT III Instrument Landing System enables aircraft to operate under low-visibility conditions, mitigating some operational challenges. However, the IGI Airport faced continued disruptions, with 19 flight diversions, numerous cancellations, and over 400 delays reported on Saturday alone due to similar conditions.

Train services were also heavily impacted, with over 60 trains delayed upon arrival in Delhi. Key routes, including the Howrah-New Delhi Duronto Express, Mahabodhi Express, Lucknow Mail, and Kathgodam Express, reported significant delays due to the prevailing foggy weather.

Weather Forecast for Delhi

The IMD has forecasted partly cloudy skies in Delhi for Sunday, with surface winds predominantly from the southeast at speeds below 4 kmph during the morning. Smog and moderate fog are likely in most areas, while dense fog is expected in select locations during early hours.

Wind speeds are anticipated to pick up to 8–10 kmph in the afternoon before decreasing to below 6 kmph in the evening and night. Shallow to moderate fog may persist into the evening and night hours. The maximum and minimum temperatures are predicted to hover around 18 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius, respectively.