Fri Jan 03 05:57:03 UTC 2025: ## Dense Fog Cripples Delhi: Hundreds of Flights Delayed, Trains Running Late

**New Delhi, January 3, 2025** – Dense fog blanketed North India today, causing widespread disruption to air and rail travel and plunging temperatures. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport experienced the brunt of the impact, with over 202 flights delayed due to near-zero visibility. FlightRadar24 reported an average delay of six minutes for arrivals and 47 minutes for departures. Airlines including SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India were significantly affected, with several advising passengers to check flight statuses and prepare for potential cancellations. SpiceJet reported disruptions to flights to and from Amritsar and Guwahati, while IndiGo issued a travel advisory focusing on Delhi, Amritsar, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Guwahati routes.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported Delhi’s maximum temperature at 16°C (3°C below normal) and a minimum of 7.6°C. Visibility at Palam airport dropped to 0 meters at 8 am, while Safdarjung Airport reported 50 meters. (Note: Neither airport is used for commercial flights). The IMD forecasts fog until January 8, with light rain possible on January 6. This marks the fifth consecutive cold day in Delhi, with the temperature at 9.6°C this morning.

The air quality remains poor, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reporting an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 309 at the Lodhi Road station, categorized as “Very Poor.”

Train services were also affected, with numerous departures from and arrivals in Delhi running late, and some routes operating on altered schedules. At least 24 trains departing from Delhi faced delays, with some experiencing delays of over four hours.

The IMD issued a Nowcast warning for dense to very dense fog across several regions of Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. Light rain and snow are predicted for parts of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.

In response to the cold wave, the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration suspended classes in all schools until further notice. The Met predicts a low of 8°C for Friday. The cold wave has led to residents resorting to measures like bonfires to stay warm.

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