Delhi Fog Disrupts Over 100 Flights at IGI Airport, Airlines Warn Passengers
Dense fog in Delhi delays over 100 flights, smog worsens air quality and visibility drastically
Dense fog in Delhi delays 100+ flights, smog worsens air quality, airlines issue warnings
Dense Delhi fog and a cold wave disrupted flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) on Friday morning, with over 100 flights delayed. Despite low visibility, no flights were diverted, according to an official report from news agency PTI.
The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) stated that flight landings and takeoffs were continuing but cautioned that flights not equipped with CAT III capabilities might face delays. The CAT III system enables aircraft to operate in low-visibility conditions. The airport, which handles approximately 1,300 flight movements daily, advised passengers to check with their airlines for updated information.
Thick Smog Engulfs Delhi
Delhi has been battling smog and deteriorating air quality since the onset of winter. On Friday, the capital was ranked third among the world’s most polluted cities, as per IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring group. The air quality index (AQI) stood at 351, classified as “very poor” by India’s pollution control body. The AQI levels from zero to 50 are considered “good.”
Thick smog enveloped the city, reducing visibility to near zero in some areas and causing delays in both air and train services. FlightRadar24, an aviation tracking website, reported that delays averaged eight minutes for 20 flights by 10:14 AM.
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Airlines Caution Passengers
On social media, IndiGo and SpiceJet issued alerts, warning passengers about possible weather-related delays. SpiceJet advised passengers to stay updated through its communication channels, while IndiGo recommended contacting the airline for flight information.
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Impact on Travelers
The poor visibility caused inconvenience for travelers, with many left waiting at the airport and train stations. While no flights were diverted, the ripple effect of delays added to the chaos.
Delhi’s worsening air quality and extreme weather conditions highlight the pressing need for sustainable measures to combat pollution and climate-related disruptions in the capital.
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