In brief
Delhi faces major travel disruptions due to dense fog and severe pollution. With visibility at zero, over 150 flights and many train services are delayed, prompting the government to reintroduce pollution control measures.
In the Indian capital of Delhi, a blanket of dense fog and hazardous air quality has caused significant travel chaos. Early Friday, visibility dropped to zero in several areas, leading to the delay of more than 150 flights and numerous trains. Sadly, this isn't new; each winter, northern India experiences challenges as low temperatures trap pollution close to the ground, making travel difficult and the air unsafe.According to reports, the air quality index in Delhi surpassed 400, a level 25 times higher than what the World Health Organization deems safe. To combat the pollution crisis, officials have reimposed strict measures, including halting construction and shifting school classes online.Images circulating on social media show the dense fog enveloping roads and obscuring landmarks, adding to the confusion at Delhi airport. An advisory warned travelers of potential disruptions, especially for flights not equipped to handle low visibility conditions. Flight tracking data indicated that departures faced delays averaging over 30 minutes, with arrivals lagging behind by nearly 20 minutes. Frustrated passengers expressed their concerns online about the lack of information regarding boarding gates and flight statuses.Furthermore, 26 trains heading to Delhi have reported delays due to the fog. However, hope is on the horizon, as the Indian weather department forecasts light showers over the weekend, which may help improve visibility conditions.
