Travelers in New Delhi are facing chaos this winter as dense fog and poor air quality wreak havoc on flights and trains.
Travel Disruption in Delhi: Smog and Fog Create Havoc
Travel Disruption in Delhi: Smog and Fog Create Havoc
Dense fog and hazardous air quality levels have resulted in significant travel disruptions in Delhi.
With visibility reduced to near zero, over 150 flights were delayed early Friday morning and numerous trains are running late, largely due to the severe winter fog enveloping the Indian capital. This annual winter phenomenon traps pollutants close to the ground, leading to hazardous travel conditions and an air quality index soaring above 400 in multiple areas, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization's safe limit.
The Delhi International Airport has advised travelers about possible delays, particularly for those on flights that are not equipped with CAT III capabilities to handle such low-visibility conditions. Flight tracking services have shown that departures are typically delayed by over 30 minutes, with arrivals lagging nearly 20 minutes behind schedule. Social media has been rife with passenger complaints as unforeseen delays lead to confusion at the airport.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Delhi government has reinstated pollution control measures, which include halting construction activities and transitioning school classes to online formats. Images from the region depict a heavy fog blanketing roads and obscuring buildings, revealing the extent of the visibility issues.
As the Indian Railways reported further delays, indicating that at least 26 trains are also suffering due to the adverse weather, there’s hope on the horizon. The meteorological department has forecast light showers over the upcoming weekend, which may improve visibility conditions and alleviate some travel strains.
The Delhi International Airport has advised travelers about possible delays, particularly for those on flights that are not equipped with CAT III capabilities to handle such low-visibility conditions. Flight tracking services have shown that departures are typically delayed by over 30 minutes, with arrivals lagging nearly 20 minutes behind schedule. Social media has been rife with passenger complaints as unforeseen delays lead to confusion at the airport.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Delhi government has reinstated pollution control measures, which include halting construction activities and transitioning school classes to online formats. Images from the region depict a heavy fog blanketing roads and obscuring buildings, revealing the extent of the visibility issues.
As the Indian Railways reported further delays, indicating that at least 26 trains are also suffering due to the adverse weather, there’s hope on the horizon. The meteorological department has forecast light showers over the upcoming weekend, which may improve visibility conditions and alleviate some travel strains.
