Delhi residents woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Monday, December 15. Visibility dropped to zero as very dense fog engulfed the national capital. High pollution levels and a severe AQI also played a role in the thick smog, which once again impacted flight operations. Several airlines have issued travel advisories announcing delays to multiple flights. Flyers have been asked to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
Delhi Airport & Airlines Issue Travel Advisory Due To Dense Fog
According to a report by Hindustan Times, the 24-hour rolling average Air Quality Index was recorded at 452 at 9 am on Monday. Pollution levels continue to worsen. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the visibility touched zero at Safdarjung and dropped to around 50 metres at Palam. Due to this, flight operations were impacted at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Over 150 flights have been delayed so far, including 43 arrivals and 139 departures. The number is expected to rise throughout the day.
Delhi Airport’s official X handle issued a travel advisory for flyers. It stated that due to dense fog, flight operations may experience disturbances. The airport added that officials are working closely with stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to passengers. Flyers were advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates.
Air India also took to X to confirm that poor visibility due to dense fog is impacting flight operations in Delhi and parts of northern India. The airline advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
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IndiGo, SpiceJet & AAI Flag Weather Disruptions
IndiGo also issued a travel advisory for passengers. The airline asked flyers to allow additional time while planning their journey to the airport due to slow-moving road traffic caused by fog. SpiceJet issued a similar advisory and asked passengers to keep checking their flight status due to bad weather conditions in Delhi.
The Airports Authority of India also shared an advisory due to heavy fog across northern India. Passengers were advised to refer to airport websites or official mobile apps for real-time updates.
According to a report by The Times of India, air quality in the capital has now entered the ‘severe plus’ category. The air remains extremely toxic. High moisture levels, low temperatures, and calm winds have trapped pollutants close to the surface. Winds may pick up slightly post-noon on Monday, which could help disperse some pollutants. Out of 39 active air quality monitoring stations, 38 recorded severe AQI levels. Three stations: Wazirpur, Rohini, and Ashok Vihar, recorded an AQI of 500!
Also Read: The Best Winter Food Trails In Old Delhi: A Delicious Guide Through Fog, History & Street Classics
Delhiites, it is cold out there, but rising AQI levels are a far more serious concern. Travellers are advised to stay updated on their flights. Others are urged to take precautions and stay safe.
Cover Image Courtesy: @ThunderWildWx and Canva Pro/ DanFLCreativo
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