Thick fog enveloped Delhi-NCR on Friday morning, reducing visibility to zero and causing widespread disruption in transportation. Over 150 flights were delayed by an average of 41 minutes, while 26 trains faced delays. Vehicles crawled on foggy roads, with drivers resorting to hazard lights to avoid accidents. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi worsened to a ‘severe’ level of 408, while neighboring areas like Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad recorded ‘very poor’ AQI levels. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings of moderate to dense fog for several parts of North India, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Flight operations at Delhi International Airport were heavily impacted, but CAT III-compliant flights continued to operate. The IMD recorded Delhi’s minimum temperature at 9.6 degrees Celsius, with expectations of the maximum temperature reaching 20 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) stage 3 curbs were reintroduced in Delhi-NCR due to rising pollution levels. The curbs aim to reduce emissions amid worsening air quality caused by unfavorable meteorological conditions. Despite the government’s efforts, air pollution remains a persistent issue, exacerbated by the dense fog.

The fog-related disruptions are part of a larger trend in North India, with hundreds of flights and trains being delayed or canceled in recent weeks. In addition to affecting daily commuters, the severe weather conditions have raised concerns about road safety. Authorities urged drivers to exercise caution and adhere to safety measures, including maintaining low speeds and using fog lights. The situation highlights the growing challenges posed by environmental factors on transportation and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.