Dense fog alert: Over 100 flights, several train services affected in Delhi due to poor visibility – details here

Several cities in North India, especially Delhi, were engulfed in dense fog on Friday morning, January 3, affecting visibility and leading to major disruptions in air travel. The Delhi airport issued an advisory for commuters saying that flights that are not CAT III complaints may be affected. It advised passengers to contact airlines for updated flight information. An official quoted by news agency PTI said more than 100 flights were delayed at the Delhi airport on Friday morning due to bad weather conditions.

IndiGo Airlines issued travel advisories for several cities, including Srinagar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Amritsar, and Guwahati, due to low visibility caused by dense fog.

In its latest update, IndiGo wrote, “#6ETravelAdvisory: Due to significantly low visibility in #Srinagar and #Chandigarh, there have been changes to flight schedules. We recommend customers to recheck their flight status before travelling to the airport http://bit.ly/3ZWAQXd. Wishing for clearer skies! SIC.”

Earlier, the airline issued an advisory for travellers, cautioning that another foggy morning is expected in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Lucknow. It wrote, “Another foggy morning is expected for #Delhi, #Bengaluru, and #Lucknow. We advise you to monitor your flight status before starting your journey. ”

It also added, “Additionally, please allow extra time when travelling to the airport, as reduced visibility might affect vehicle movement. Staying abreast of updates and planning ahead will help ensure a smooth travel experience. Happy Fri-yay everyone! SIC.”

SpiceJet has also issued an advisory for Amritsar. The airline said, “#WeatherUpdate: Due to bad weather in Amritsar (ATQ) all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights might get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status. SIC.”

Trains in Delhi Affected

Several trains have been delayed at New Delhi railway station due to heavy fog, significantly reducing visibility. Videos shared by news agency ANI highlighted delays in trains such as the Puri-NDLS Express, DBG-NDLS, Mahabodhi Express, Malwa Express, Gorakhpur Express, AP Express, Shram Shakri Express, Jammu Rajdhani, and UHP Kota Express. Passengers travelling on these trains have been advised to check updated schedules and allow extra time for their journeys.

Yellow alert for fog in Delhi

RWFC Delhi issued a yellow alert for moderate fog in most places. Dense fog in isolated places is likely in the morning. In addition, shallow fog is likely in the evening and night. The minimum temperature is expected to be around 8 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is expected to be 17 degrees Celsius.    

On Friday, North Indian states continued to face harsh winter conditions. In Uttar Pradesh's capital Lucknow, the temperature was recorded at 8 degrees Celsius at 3.30 am. The local administrations have set up temporary shelters for the homeless. In UP's Aligarh, people were seen taking refuge in one of these shelters. In Jammu and Kashmir's capital, Srinagar, the temperature was recorded at -1.3 degrees Celsius at 5.30 am.

(With inputs from agencies)