Dense Fog Disrupts Delhi Flights and Trains: Over 100 Flights Delayed at IGI Airport

Delhi has recently witnessed an unfortunate rise in air and rail disruptions due to thick fog, which severely affected flight operations and train services across the capital. The dense fog, coupled with plummeting temperatures, has led to over 100 flights being delayed at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), causing significant inconvenience for travelers. Additionally, rail traffic has also been hit hard, with several trains delayed for hours due to poor visibility.

Dense Fog Causes Major Flight Delays at IGI Airport

The morning of Friday, January 10th, 2025, brought heavy fog that blanketed Delhi, leading to low visibility conditions at the airport. This resulted in widespread disruptions, especially at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), where flight departures and arrivals were significantly impacted. According to data from FlightRadar.com, more than 100 flights were delayed due to the thick fog that hovered over the region.

Airline operators, including IndiGo Airlines, were quick to advise passengers to check for updates regarding their flights, urging them to confirm flight statuses with their respective airlines before heading to the airport. The airport’s operator, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), also issued an advisory on social media, urging travelers to stay updated on flight statuses and apologizing for any inconvenience caused by the delays.

Impact on Flight Operations

The fog led to a reduction in visibility, causing delays in the takeoff and landing of flights. Although Category III compliant flights continued to operate from IGI, the majority of other flights faced major delays. Category III Instrument Landing System (ILS) compliance allows planes to operate in low-visibility conditions, but the volume of air traffic made it difficult for other flights to maintain schedules. Passengers were advised to stay in close contact with their airlines for real-time updates and to allocate extra time for airport travel due to slow-moving traffic and reduced visibility.

Airline Advisories

As the dense fog continued to worsen, airlines like IndiGo issued public warnings about the deteriorating visibility, suggesting passengers allow extra time for their journey to the airport. Their advisories also highlighted that the fog had slowed traffic both at the airport and in surrounding areas, further exacerbating the delays.

Trains Delayed Due to Thick Fog

The fog didn’t just affect air traffic in Delhi. The dense fog also disrupted train services across the region. As the National Capital Territory (NCT) witnessed visibility levels drop to zero, several long-distance trains experienced substantial delays. Among the most affected were express trains traveling between Delhi and other states, including Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.

List of Delayed Trains

The fog caused major disruptions in rail traffic, with several trains being delayed for hours. Notable train delays on January 10th include:

• 12565 – Bihar S Kranti Express: 165 minutes late (Scheduled 05:05 AM).
• 15743 – Farakka Express: 137 minutes late (Scheduled 06:05 AM).
• 15658 – Brahmaputra Express: 193 minutes late (Scheduled 05:50 AM).
• 12397 – Mahabodhi Express: 228 minutes late (Scheduled 04:10 AM).
• 12555 – Gorakh dham Express: 173 minutes late (Scheduled 05:15 AM).
• 12451 – Shram Shakti Express: 162 minutes late (Scheduled 05:55 AM).
• 22413 – NDLS Hamsafar Express: 169 minutes late (Scheduled 06:15 AM).
• 12987 – RJPB Tejas Raj Express: 110 minutes late (Scheduled 07:40 AM).
• 14217 – Unchahar Express: 354 minutes late (Scheduled 04:00 AM).
• 12427 – Rewa ANVT Express: 176 minutes late (Scheduled 06:40 AM).
• 12367 – Vikramshila Express: 153 minutes late (Scheduled 07:20 AM).
• 12429 – Prayagraj Express: 185 minutes late (Scheduled 07:00 AM).
• 12391 – Shram Jeevi Express: 111 minutes late (Scheduled 04:40 AM).
• 14207 – Padmavat Express: 69 minutes late (Scheduled 06:30 AM).
• 12229 – Lucknow Mail: 64 minutes late (Scheduled 06:55 AM).

The list continues with several other trains delayed due to the dense fog in Delhi and surrounding regions. These delays significantly disrupted passenger schedules, forcing many to make alternative travel arrangements or face longer wait times.

Fog-Induced Impact on Weather and Air Quality

The weather conditions across Delhi worsened as the day progressed, with the temperature dropping further. Delhi’s minimum temperature was forecasted to be 6°C, and the maximum temperature was expected to hover around 20°C, with ongoing dense fog. These weather conditions contributed to the low visibility across both airports and railway stations, further exacerbating the travel disruptions.

Along with the fog, Delhi’s air quality also plummeted, reaching severe levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi hit 409 by 7:00 AM, which is categorized as “severe”. The hazardous levels of pollution made it even more difficult for travelers to navigate the city, whether by train, taxi, or foot.

Traffic Congestion and Limited Visibility

The fog also contributed to traffic congestion in Delhi. Vehicles struggled to navigate through the thick fog, especially during the morning hours, further adding to delays in reaching the airport or train stations. As visibility remained close to zero in certain areas, authorities urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution on the roads.

Delhi’s Preparedness for Extreme Weather Conditions

The government has also been proactively working to provide assistance and information to affected citizens. A wide range of measures, including increased shelter facilities and updates via social media, were put in place to help those stranded at the airport or railway stations due to the delays.

Travelers are advised to plan their journeys with extra time, remain updated on the latest weather forecasts, and keep in touch with relevant authorities for real-time information regarding their travel.