Delhi’s Smog Crisis: Navigating the Travel Turmoil

Thick fog and alarming air quality levels have led to travel disruption in India’s capital, Delhi.

Zero visibility was noted in multiple regions during the early hours of Friday, affecting flights, trains, and road transport.

Reports indicate that over 150 flights have been postponed and numerous trains are running late because of poor weather conditions.

This is a persistent issue in northern India each winter, as low temperatures between December and January trap contaminants near the surface – impacting visibility – making travel challenging and the air dangerous.

The air quality index in Delhi surpasses 400 in various areas, per the government-operated Safar website. This is over 25 times the safe threshold established by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The authorities in the capital have reinstated pollution control protocols, which include prohibiting construction and demolition work, as well as transitioning school classes online.

Footage and images from Delhi and surrounding cities revealed a layer of fog enveloping streets and fields, obscuring buildings.

Delhi airport has issued a notice cautioning travelers of potential disruptions due to low visibility.

“While arrivals and departures persist at Delhi airport, flights that do not comply with CAT III may be impacted,” the notice stated. CAT III is a system that enables aircraft to land during adverse visibility conditions.

As per flight tracking site flightradar24, departures at Delhi airport were delayed by over 30 minutes and arrivals by nearly 20 minutes.

Many travelers took to social media to voice their frustrations regarding the chaos at the airport.

“No display of boarding gate and it appears no one has the precise status,” a user posted on X (formerly twitter).

Additionally, 26 trains towards the city are delayed because of fog, according to Indian Railways.

India’s meteorological department has forecast light rain over the weekend, which is anticipated to improve visibility conditions.

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