Unsettling Fog Hits Delhi-NCR, Grounding Air Travel
A dense blanket of fog blanketed large parts of northern India early Saturday, severely impacting transportation networks across Delhi-NCR and neighboring states. The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi reported the cancellation of 129 flights as visibility dropped to near-zero in many sectors, prompting peak-hour disruptions for travelers and cooler-than-usual winter conditions in the capital region.
Officials attributed the widespread disruption to persistent fog, which cut visibility on runways and forced air traffic controllers to impose delays and cancellations. While some inbound and outbound services finally managed to operate after hours of poor visibility, the day remained challenging for airlines, airport staff, and daily commuters, with many flights rescheduled to Sunday or later in the week.
Beyond the Terminal: Rail, Road, and Bus Services Sway to Fog
The fog did not limit its reach to aviation. Rail operators reported slow-moving trains and occasional cancellations across several routes in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and the national capital region. Passengers waiting on platforms faced cold mornings and uncertain timelines as signal visibility decreased and trains were held for safety checks. Road transport also faced delays, with several highways and metro corridors reporting slowed traffic, longer wait times for commuters, and a spike in demand for alternate travel arrangements.
What Travelers Need to Know
Travelers planning to fly from Delhi or connect through the capital are advised to check with their airlines for real-time updates, as weather-related adjustments can shift rapidly. Airports and airlines have urged passengers to review the latest advisories, arrive early at terminals, and pack essentials in case of extended delays. For those with flexible itineraries, postponing non-urgent trips may reduce exposure to fog-related disruptions.
Local authorities stressed that fog is a common winter phenomenon in the region, but the current spell has been unusually persistent. Meteorologists indicated that moisture-laden air and cold temperatures created conditions conducive to thick fog formation overnight and into the morning hours, especially in low-lying areas and near riverine pockets.
Airport Response and Safety Protocols
Airport operations teams worked to maintain safety while managing the surge in cancellations and delays. Ground staff prioritized safe landings and takeoffs, while air traffic control implemented standard fog protocols, including reduced speed limits and increased spacing between aircraft. Officials noted that once visibility improved, services could return to routine schedules more quickly, but recovery would depend on weather patterns in the coming days.
Broader Implications for Northern India
Extreme fog’s reach this weekend sent ripple effects through multiple states, impacting not only air travel but also rail schedules and cross-border road movement. Commuters were urged to monitor updates, especially those traveling during peak hours or transferring between modes of transport. Local governments prepared contingency plans, including additional train services and temporary shelters for stranded passengers in major transit hubs to ease congestion and discomfort.
Looking Ahead
Weather forecasts suggest fog may gradually ease in the coming days, though the region could experience lingering patches of reduced visibility. As conditions evolve, airlines, railways, and road authorities will continue coordinating to minimize disruption while ensuring passenger safety remains the top priority. Travelers should stay prepared for intermittent delays and have flexible plans as extra fog events are not uncommon in this season.
