Thick Fog Grounds Flights, Cancels Trains In Delhi As Visibility Plummets

As the cold wave persists in the national capital, parts of Delhi woke up to a thick layer of dense fog today. This thick fog has led to reduced visibility across various parts of the city, disrupting the smooth flow of traffic and causing delays for commuters during the early morning hours. PTI reported that numerous trains were either cancelled or delayed due to the foggy conditions prevailing in Delhi.

The Delhi Airport issued an advisory emphasizing that while landings and takeoffs continue, flights not meeting CAT III (Category III) standards might encounter disruptions. Passengers were urged to reach out to their respective airlines for updated flight details and to confirm if their flights comply with CAT III regulations.

"Although landings and takeoffs persist at Delhi airport, flights lacking CAT III compliance might face challenges. Passengers are advised to liaise with the concerned airline for the latest flight updates. We deeply regret any inconvenience caused," read the advisory.

CAT III-compliant aircraft are equipped with sophisticated instruments and technology enabling them to function under low-visibility circumstances, such as dense fog. Flights not meeting these standards could encounter delays or cancellations to prioritize the safety of passengers and crew.

Meanwhile, a weather alert has been issued for various northern regions encompassing Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi. The regional meteorological center forecasted dense to very dense fog across these areas, and in select spots in Uttar Pradesh. Isolated areas in Rajasthan and a few regions in Uttarakhand are also predicted to experience dense fog.

On Tuesday, dense fog significantly impaired visibility across several areas, resulting in numerous flight delays at the Delhi airport due to reduced visibility, airport authorities confirmed. Safdarjung's main weather station recorded a visibility of 200 meters at 5:30 am, while the Palam station registered 100 meters.