Dense Fog, Cold Wave Disrupt Life In Delhi-NCR; Flights, Trains Hit

Delhi-NCR experienced dense fog with near-zero visibility during the night, causing significant delays in flights and trains. Highways saw vehicles crawling in slow-moving queues. The cold wave tightened its grip on Saturday morning, as the harsh winter drove many homeless individuals to seek refuge in night shelters. According to the India Meteorological Department, Delhi recorded 10.2 degrees Celsius at 5.30 am on Saturday. At this time yesterday, the city's temperature was 9.6 degrees Celsius.

#WATCH | Delhi | A dense layer of fog blankets the national capital as a cold wave grips the city.

(Visuals from DND) pic.twitter.com/9An3CiwseV

— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts dense to very dense fog in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and some areas of Punjab and Haryana. As per the IMD, visibility at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) is currently reported to be zero.

#WATCH | Delhi: Several trains delayed at New Delhi railway station due to fog as cold waves grip the city.

(Visuals from New Delhi Railway station) pic.twitter.com/KK8stezodC — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2025

Operations at Delhi airport have been disrupted due to dense fog, prompting authorities to issue an advisory urging passengers to check with airlines for the latest updates. More than 90 flights have been delayed this morning. Airports in Srinagar, Chandigarh, Agra, Lucknow, Amritsar, Hindon, and Gwalior are also experiencing zero visibility. "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," said Delhi Airport in an early morning fog update.

#WATCH | Delhi: Several trains delayed at New Delhi railway station due to fog as cold waves grip the city.

(Visuals from New Delhi Railway station) pic.twitter.com/5V1xevjInb — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2025

Earlier last night, it said, "Due to dense fog at Delhi Airport, flight operations at Delhi Airport are impacted. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted."

Update issued at 00:05 hours.
Kind attention to all flyers!#Fog #FogAlert #DelhiAirport pic.twitter.com/fQZakeRWAV — Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) January 3, 2025

Indigo Airlines issues advisories for Delhi and Bengaluru passengers. "Delhi continues to experience significantly reduced visibility due to fog, impacting flight schedules.  Customers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time for travel, as low visibility may lead to slow traffic on the roads. Hoping for a bright, clear, sunny day ahead," it said.

In another advisory, it said, "Due to foggy conditions in Bengaluru, low visibility may lead to changes in flight schedules. We request you to stay updated on your flight status  before heading to the airport."

Air India, in its advisory, asked fliers to check their flight status as poor visibility due to dense fog impacted flight operations in Delhi and parts of Northern India. 

Train services have similarly been impacted, with over 50 trains heading to Delhi running behind schedule. Notable delays include the 22436 New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, which is over four hours late, the Varanasi Vande Bharat Express delayed by 14 hours, the New Delhi Vande Bharat Express running 8 hours and 17 minutes late, and the Anand Vihar Terminal Superfast Express delayed by more than seven hours.

Yesterday, poor visibility brought on by dense fog caused over 200 flight delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport.