Travel Disruptions in Delhi Caused by Severe Smog and Fog

Delhi's travel schedules are severely impacted as low visibility and toxic air quality bring flights and trains to a standstill.

Severe air pollution and dense fog have wrought havoc on travel in Delhi, India, leading to significant disruptions for air and rail passengers. Reports indicate that visibility plummeted to near zero during the early hours of Friday, resulting in the delay of more than 150 flights and numerous train schedules.

The worsening air quality in the capital once again highlights a perennial issue faced by northern India every winter. From December through January, low temperatures trap harmful pollutants in the atmosphere, subsequently diminishing visibility and making transportation hazardous. Recent measurements showed the air quality index in multiple areas of Delhi exceeded 400, far surpassing the safe limit of 15 set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In response to the deteriorating conditions, local authorities have reinstated pollution control protocols, including a ban on construction activities and shifting classes to an online format. The Delhi airport issued a cautionary advisory to travelers, alerting them about potential disruptions amid low visibility conditions. While both departures and arrivals continued, flights not equipped with CAT III compliance faced the most challenges – CAT III technology allows planes to operate in poor visibility.

Flight tracking data from flightradar24 revealed departures at the airport were delayed by upwards of 30 minutes, while arrivals experienced delays of around 20 minutes. Frustrated travelers took to social media to express their concerns, with many reporting confusion about boarding gate displays and the overall status of their flights.

Additionally, Indian Railways confirmed that at least 26 trains bound for Delhi were running late due to the heavy fog. Nevertheless, forecasts from India’s weather department indicate light showers are expected over the weekend, which may help to alleviate visibility issues. As the situation unfolds, residents and authorities alike remain vigilant in addressing the challenges posed by pollution and winter weather.