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Delhi Fog Chaos: Flights Delayed, AQI Hits "Very Poor" Levels

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has issued a passenger advisory warning of significant flight delays due to persistent dense fog, which has enforced CAT III operating conditions. The cold wave continues with temperatures dropping to 5.4 degrees Celsius, exacerbating the situation. Concurrently, air pollution has spiked sharply, with the city's overall Air Quality Index reaching 361, categorized as "very poor". Several localities, including Nehru Nagar and Dwarka, recorded even higher AQI levels above 400, compounding the public health concerns.

Key Points: Delhi Airport Warns of Flight Delays Due to Dense Fog

  • Dense fog triggers CAT III ops at Delhi airport
  • Passengers advised of flight delays
  • Cold wave brings temp down to 5.4°C
  • Delhi's AQI surges to "very poor" 361
  • Areas like Nehru Nagar record AQI above 400
2 min read

Delhi airport issue passenger advisory, warns of flight delays due to dense fog

Dense fog disrupts flights at Delhi's IGI Airport under CAT III conditions, while cold wave and "very poor" AQI grip the capital.

"Due to persistent dense fog, flight operations continue to remain under CAT III conditions which may result in flight delays. - Airport Advisory"

New Delhi, January 10

The Indira Gandhi International Airport administration in New Delhi has issued a passenger advisory regarding delays in flight operations due to dense fog in the region.

According to the advisory, CAT III conditions remain in effect, and all airlines have been asked to remain in contact with airport authorities for the latest updates.

"Due to persistent dense fog, flight operations continue to remain under CAT III conditions which may result in flight delays. For the most up-to-date flight information, we request you to contact your respective airlines or visit our website. Our teams are working closely with all stakeholders to minimize inconvenience to passengers. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding," the advisory said.

A thin layer of fog enveloped the national capital on Saturday morning as cold wave conditions continue to grip the region, with temperatures dropping to 5.4 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The air pollution levels also rose sharply. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 361, falling under the "very poor" category until 7 am.

Several areas across New Delhi recorded AQI levels above 300. Nehru Nagar reported the highest pollution level at 426, followed by Dwarka Sector 8 at 402 and RK Puram at 390. Patparganj registered an AQI of 400, while Chandni Chowk recorded 398. The AQI was 361 in the ITO area and 326 near IGI Airport.

Earlier on Friday, the mercury dipped to 5 degrees Celsius in the national capital on Friday as cold weather continued, with rain lashing parts of the city, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

A thick layer of smog also blanketed several areas, while air quality remained in the 'poor' to 'very poor' category across Delhi, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

CPCB readings showed that Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 280, which falls under the 'poor' category.

Several areas witnessed a sharp decline in air quality. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 385, placing it in the 'very poor' category. Other locations with high AQI levels included Chandni Chowk at 335, Jahangirpuri at 340, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 354, ITO at 307, Ferozeshah Road at 307, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range at 360, Dwarka Sector 8 at 346, Ashok Vihar at 328 and Nehru Nagar at 392.

Some parts of the city recorded relatively better air quality. IGI Airport Terminal 3 reported an AQI of 252, which still falls under the 'poor' category, according to CPCB.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Stuck at T3 since 5 AM. The airline staff are trying their best, but the communication is poor. They keep saying "short delay," but it's been 4 hours. At least the advisory is out so people can plan. Pro tip: always check the website before leaving home in December-January.
D
David E
Visiting from London and my flight to Goa is delayed. The airport is handling it quite well compared to some European airports in similar conditions. The CAT III system seems efficient. The air quality, however, is a shock. You can literally see and feel it.
A
Aman W
The article title has a small grammatical error ("issue passenger advisory" should be "issues passenger advisory"), but the content is accurate. This is a yearly saga in Delhi. Fog + pollution = a complete shutdown. Feel for the passengers and the ground staff working in this.
S
Shreya B
My father is a pilot. He says CAT III landings are incredibly stressful in these conditions. Safety first, always. The delays are frustrating, but I'd rather be safe on the ground than have an unsafe landing. Kudos to the pilots and ATC managing this.
K
Karthik V
The advisory is a good step, but implementation is key. Last week, my relative's flight was cancelled and they got no proper alternative or compensation info for hours. The system needs to be more passenger-friendly during these disruptions. More help desks, clearer announcements.

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