Severe Fog Disrupts Flight Operations
Dense fog covered Delhi on Monday, sharply reducing visibility and severely disrupting air traffic at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Low visibility conditions forced airlines to cancel at least 128 flights, divert eight others, and delay nearly 200 flights, according to airport officials and data from flight-tracking website Flightradar24. Authorities operated the airport under Category-III conditions, which allow aircraft to land despite poor visibility.
IMD Issues Red Alert for Fog
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘red’ alert for dense fog on Tuesday morning, warning of continued low-visibility conditions. Visibility at IGI Airport and Safdarjung dropped to just 50 metres at around 8 am before improving slightly to 100 metres by 9 am. Weather officials cautioned that foggy conditions could persist during early morning hours over the next few days.
Fog Season Declared by Aviation Regulator
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially declared the period from December 10 to February 10, 2026, as the fog season. During this window, authorities expect frequent fog-related disruptions at northern airports, particularly in Delhi. Airlines have been advised to plan operations accordingly and keep passengers informed about possible delays or cancellations.
Rail Services Also Affected
Foggy weather also impacted railway operations across the region. Several long-distance trains arrived late at stations in and around Delhi, causing inconvenience to passengers. Railway officials stated that poor visibility forced trains to operate at reduced speeds to ensure safety.
Temperature Remains Above Normal
Despite the dense fog, temperatures in the national capital remained above average. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 8.3 degrees Celsius, about 1.5 degrees above normal, while the maximum settled at 22.5 degrees Celsius, nearly 2 degrees above the seasonal average, the IMD reported.
Air Quality Worsens to ‘Severe’
Alongside fog, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated further. The city recorded a 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) of 401, placing it in the ‘severe’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). A day earlier, the AQI stood at 390, classified as ‘very poor’.
Data from the CPCB’s SAMEER app showed that air quality was ‘severe’ at 24 monitoring stations across the city, while 13 stations recorded ‘very poor’ air quality. Under CPCB standards, an AQI between 401 and 500 falls in the ‘severe’ category and poses serious health risks.
Outlook for the Coming Days
The Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast that Delhi’s air quality may improve slightly to the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, it is likely to slip back into the ‘severe’ range around New Year’s Day due to stagnant weather conditions and reduced wind speed.
Health Advisory for Residents
Authorities have advised residents, especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities during early morning hours. Experts also recommend using masks, air purifiers indoors and following advisories issued by local agencies until weather and pollution levels improve.
Dense Fog Disrupts Normal Life in Delhi
A thick layer of fog enveloped Delhi on Monday morning, sharply reducing visibility across the city. Several areas witnessed near-zero visibility, affecting daily life and transport services.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for dense fog on Tuesday. Officials warned residents to remain cautious during early morning hours.
Flight Operations Hit at IGI Airport
Poor visibility caused major disruptions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. At least 128 flights were cancelled, while eight were diverted to other airports. Nearly 200 flights faced delays, officials confirmed.
Visibility at the airport dropped to 50 metres at 8 am. It improved slightly to 100 metres by 9 am, according to IMD data. Authorities operated flights under Category-III conditions, which allow landings in very low visibility.
DGCA Declares Official Fog Season
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has declared December 10 to February 10, 2026, as the official fog season. During this period, airlines expect frequent delays and cancellations.
The regulator has advised airlines to update passengers regularly and ensure adequate ground preparedness.
Rail Traffic Also Affected
Foggy weather also impacted railway services. Several trains ran behind schedule due to poor visibility conditions. Railway officials said safety protocols required trains to move at slower speeds.
Passengers faced delays at major stations across the national capital region.
Temperatures Remain Above Normal
Despite dense fog, Delhi recorded above-normal temperatures. The city reported a minimum temperature of 8.3°C, which is 1.5°C higher than average.
The maximum temperature reached 22.5°C, around 2°C above normal levels, IMD said.
Air Quality Worsens to ‘Severe’ Category
Delhi’s air quality deteriorated alongside the fog. The city recorded a 24-hour AQI of 401, placing it in the ‘severe’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
A day earlier, the AQI stood at 390, which falls under the ‘very poor’ category.
Pollution Levels Across Monitoring Stations
CPCB data showed 24 monitoring stations recorded ‘severe’ air quality. Another 13 stations reported ‘very poor’ levels.
As per CPCB standards:
- AQI 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–500: Severe
Air Quality Outlook for Coming Days
The Air Quality Early Warning System expects pollution levels to remain ‘very poor’ on Tuesday and Wednesday. AQI may return to the ‘severe’ category around New Year’s Day.
Low wind speed and stagnant weather conditions may worsen pollution.
Health Advisory for Residents
Authorities advised people to avoid outdoor activities during early mornings. Children, elderly citizens, and those with respiratory issues should remain indoors.
Experts recommend wearing masks, using air purifiers, and following official advisories until conditions improve.
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