Fog & Cold Wave Disrupt North India Flights: AAI Warns of Delays

The Airports Authority of India has warned passengers of potential flight delays and disruptions due to dense fog and severe cold wave conditions affecting northern regions. Reduced visibility has slowed airport operations, with the advisory urging travelers to check flight statuses and allow extra buffer time. The cold wave has intensified across several states including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, disrupting road and rail transport alongside air travel. Heavy snowfall in areas like Kedarnath and the Pir Panjal ranges has further compounded travel difficulties amid the widespread winter weather.

Key Points: North India Fog Disrupts Flights: AAI Advisory on Delays

  • Flight delays expected
  • Dense fog reduces visibility
  • Cold wave grips North India
  • Check airline status before travel
2 min read

AAI warns of possible flight delays as fog, cold wave disrupt travel across North India

Dense fog and cold wave cause flight delays across North India. AAI advises passengers to check flight status and allow extra time. Latest updates.

"Passengers... may experience minor disruptions as weather-related visibility conditions affect airport operations. - Airports Authority of India"

New Delhi, January 4

Passengers travelling through northern India may face minor disruptions in air travel due to poor visibility caused by dense fog and severe cold wave conditions, the Airports Authority of India said on Sunday.

"Passengers travelling through Northern India may experience minor disruptions as weather-related visibility conditions affect airport operations. This could lead to flight delays or extended holding times at select airports. Travellers are requested to check flight status with their respective airlines before leaving for the airport. Please allow additional buffer time and follow instructions issued by airlines and airport authorities," AAI stated in a post on X.

The advisory comes amid a widespread cold wave gripping large parts of north, central and eastern India, significantly disrupting daily life and transport services. Dense fog has reduced visibility across several states, slowing road traffic and disrupting rail and air operations.

In Uttarakhand, the holy city of Haridwar experienced thick fog and biting cold, with cold winds prevailing throughout the morning. Vehicular movement on national highways slowed considerably due to reduced visibility. The cold wave has intensified across the state, with higher reaches witnessing snowfall.

Kedarnath Dham has also received heavy snowfall since Friday afternoon, blanketing the temple and surrounding areas. The harsh weather has slowed ongoing reconstruction work at the shrine due to extreme cold and snow accumulation.

Uttar Pradesh continued to reel under fog and cold wave conditions. Prayagraj was engulfed in dense fog, while visibility dropped sharply in Ayodhya. Varanasi continued to experience a persistent cold wave.

In Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior was blanketed by fog as cold conditions tightened their grip. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Warning for several districts, including Khurda and Cuttack, where visibility reportedly dropped to as low as 50 metres in many areas.

Winter conditions also intensified in Jammu and Kashmir. The Kashmir Valley continued to experience a cold wave, with temperatures dipping further, even as tourists were seen at Srinagar's Dal Lake. Heavy snowfall persisted in the Pir Panjal ranges of Poonch, worsening conditions in higher altitudes.

AAI has urged passengers to allow additional buffer time and to follow instructions from airlines and airport authorities as winter weather continues to disrupt travel across the region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Stay safe everyone, especially those travelling. The fog in North India is no joke. Heed the AAI advice and leave early for the airport. Better to wait there comfortably than to miss your flight! 🙏
A
Aman W
It's not just flights. The roads are a nightmare. Driving on the Yamuna Expressway this morning was terrifying with near-zero visibility. Authorities should also issue stronger advisories for highway travel during such conditions.
S
Sarah B
Visiting from Canada and currently in Rishikesh. The cold is intense! I see why the warnings are in place. The infrastructure seems to struggle with this annual weather. Hope the pilgrims heading to Kedarnath are safe and warm.
V
Vikram M
My heart goes out to the workers continuing reconstruction at Kedarnath in that heavy snow. Jai Baba Kedarnath! 🕉️ The weather disruption is a minor inconvenience for us travellers compared to what they face daily.
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Karthik V
The IMD orange alert is serious. 50-metre visibility is practically blind. While delays are frustrating, safety must come first. Kudos to AAI for the proactive communication on X. Everyone should follow their handles for real-time info.

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