New Delhi: Dense fog continued to blanket Delhi and surrounding areas on Sunday night, significantly reducing visibility and prompting warnings for travelers and commuters in the national capital region. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) issued a fresh advisory as the air quality index (AQI) in the city reached 404, falling in the ‘severe’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data via the Sameer app.

At 11:03 pm, the airport operator DIAL posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle that low visibility procedures are currently in progress, emphasizing that while all flight operations were ongoing, passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updated flight information.

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Flight Operations and Airline Advisories

Air India issued a travel advisory on Saturday night, warning passengers of possible disruptions in flight operations due to dense fog and poor visibility across parts of northern India, including Delhi. The airline noted that while proactive measures had been taken to minimise disruption, unexpected delays, diversions, or cancellations could not be ruled out. Air India assured travelers that ground staff would provide necessary assistance in case of operational changes.

Similarly, SpiceJet advised that all departures and arrivals at Delhi, along with consequential connecting flights, might be affected by the foggy conditions. Passengers were urged to regularly check their flight status via the SpiceJet websiteto stay updated on potential delays or changes.

The advisory comes just over a week after flight operations at IGI were disrupted under similar conditions, highlighting a recurring challenge for air travel in the city during winter months.

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Fog and Visibility Across Delhi-NCR

Residents across Delhi and Noida reported extremely poor visibility, with some areas experiencing near-zero conditions. Social media posts from locals showcased the intensity of the fog, with videos capturing a thick, opaque layer covering streets and highways. Many residents took to X to advise others to travel with caution. One user wrote, “Dense fog blankets Delhi–NCR, especially Noida. Travel with caution,” while another shared a video noting, “Noida rn! Fog hi fog.”

The dense fog, coupled with already severe air quality, is expected to further complicate commuting and outdoor activities. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, particularly at airports and major roadways, where low visibility can pose safety risks.

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Air Quality Situation

Delhi’s AQI of 404, classified as ‘severe’, underscores the continued pollution challenges in the city. Winter months often exacerbate air quality due to temperature inversions and stagnant air, which trap pollutants close to the ground. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.

While the dense fog primarily affects visibility and transportation, the high pollution levels can have serious health implications, making the combination of poor air quality and limited visibility a significant concern for authorities and citizens alike.

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Precautionary Measures for Travelers

Airlines and airport authorities have emphasized precautionary measures for passengers:

• Regularly check flight status with airlines before traveling.
• Arrive early at airports to accommodate potential delays due to low visibility procedures.
• Follow ground staff instructions during boarding, taxiing, and landing operations.
• For road commuters, reduce speed, use fog lights, and maintain distance from other vehicles.

Authorities are closely coordinating with meteorological departments and airport operations to manage traffic and flight schedules efficiently, ensuring safety amid challenging winter conditions.

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Outlook

Dense fog and severe pollution levels are expected to persist intermittently over the next few days, consistent with typical winter patterns in the Delhi-NCR region. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and follow advisories issued by airlines, the airport, and local authorities.

The combination of dense fog and hazardous air quality once again highlights the vulnerability of Delhi-NCR during the winter season, reinforcing the need for both preparedness in travel planning and health precautions for residents.

Authorities and airlines continue to monitor developments, ready to implement operational adjustments to ensure passenger safety while minimizing disruptions amid adverse weather and environmental conditions.