New Delhi: Delhi and its surrounding areas encountered thick fog this morning, severely impacting visibility and leading to disruptions in air and rail travel.
Delhi Airport, a major aviation hub, witnessed over 100 delayed flights, prompting the implementation of Low Visibility Procedures.
The adverse weather conditions affected both landing and takeoff operations, particularly for flights not equipped for low-visibility landings (Category III compliant). Passengers were advised to contact airlines for updated flight information.
The atmospheric conditions also affected rail travel, with at least 30 train delays reported at New Delhi Railway Station. The minimum temperature in the national capital was recorded at 4.8 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Over the past two days, the Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi experienced chaotic scenes as stranded passengers faced prolonged delays.
Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia outlined steps taken to address future challenges caused by severe weather conditions. This includes expediting the operationalisation of a CAT III-enabled 4th runway at Delhi Airport and the issuance of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by DGCA to enhance communication and passenger facilitation for airlines.
In response to the disruptions, the DGCA issued comprehensive guidelines to manage chaotic situations during adverse weather conditions. The SOP empowers airlines to cancel flights anticipated to be delayed beyond three hours, aiming to minimise inconveniences for passengers and streamline operational responses to fog-induced disruptions.