In brief
Visibility drops to zero, affecting hundreds of flights and trains as pollution control measures are reintroduced.
The Indian capital, Delhi, is engulfed in dense fog and alarming air pollution, leading to significant travel disruptions. Early Friday, visibility plummeted to zero in many areas, resulting in over 150 delayed flights and numerous trains running behind schedule due to the challenging weather conditions. This annual dilemma typically occurs in northern India during winter's colder months, as lower temperatures trap air pollutants closer to the surface, drastically reducing visibility and making travel hazardous.Reports indicate that the air quality index in several parts of Delhi soared above 400, according to data from the state-run Safar website. This alarming level is more than 25 times the safe limit established by the World Health Organization (WHO). In response to this environmental crisis, Delhi authorities have reinstated various pollution control measures, including a halt to construction and demolition activities, and the transition of school classes to online formats. Visuals from Delhi and surrounding areas depict a thick fog blanketing roadways and obscuring buildings, while the airport has issued notifications to passengers about possible disruptions stemming from the severe low visibility. The advisory cautioned that while most landings and departures at Delhi airport continue, any flights not equipped with CAT III compliance could be adversely affected—this system is designed specifically for landings under poor visibility conditions.Flight tracking platform flightradar24 reports that departures have experienced delays exceeding 30 minutes, while arrivals are delayed by around 20 minutes. Frustrated passengers took to social media platforms to express their dissatisfaction, citing a lack of information regarding their boarding gates and overall flight status. Additionally, the Indian Railways has announced that 26 trains headed to the city are delayed due to the persistent fog.Looking ahead, the country's meteorological department has forecast light rain over the upcoming weekend, which is expected to alleviate visibility concerns. Stay updated with the latest developments by following BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
