The civil aviation authorities in India have issued a heavy fog alert for Northern India, leading to widespread disruptions in air travel. At Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, approximately 40 flights have been canceled while four other flights have been diverted due to severely reduced visibility.
Airlines including Air India and IndiGo have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to check flight statuses and plan for delays. The airport is currently operating under CAT III conditions, which permits aircraft operations under low visibility, yet disturbances persist. The thick smog and persistent fog have also severely affected the city’s air quality, with the index reaching a 'severe' level of 461. The air quality monitoring stations have recorded a maximum AQI of 500, indicating potentially hazardous health effects.
Impact on Travelers and Health Concerns
Travelers are advised to allow additional travel time and stay updated through official airline channels. The combined adverse weather and pollution levels highlight ongoing winter challenges, with the low wind speeds trapping pollutants and exacerbating visibility issues. Authorities are actively managing the situation and prioritizing passenger safety, though disruptions are likely to continue until conditions improve.
The situation reflects the seasonal difficulty faced in maintaining smooth daily air traffic operations amidst dense fog and deteriorating air quality, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols and real-time monitoring for all aviation stakeholders.
