Dense Fog Blinds Delhi, Over 200 Flights Delayed

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Dense fog in Delhi and neighboring states resulted in major flight delays on Friday.
2. Multiple airports in Delhi and nearby regions reported zero or low visibility.
3. A total of 217 flights were delayed at Delhi’s IGI airport.
4. Delhi airport issued advisories, urging passengers to check with airlines.
5. The IMD issued an orange alert for dense fog conditions across Delhi and nearby areas.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Impact of Dense Fog

On Friday, Delhi’s visibility dropped significantly due to dense fog, impacting air traffic. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), airports in Delhi, Amritsar, Varanasi, Agra, and Lucknow experienced zero visibility. Many passengers at Delhi’s IGI airport were forced to deal with flight delays, creating significant inconvenience.

Zero Visibility at Key Airports

In the early hours of the morning, visibility at IGI Airport was reported at just 50 meters. The thick fog blanketed large parts of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Visibility at Delhi’s Palam Airport, Amritsar, and several airports in Uttar Pradesh was close to zero. These weather conditions raised concerns for safe flight operations.

Airport Operations Under Strain

Due to low visibility, 217 flights from Delhi’s IGI Airport were delayed, with most having an average delay time of 25 minutes. Non-CAT III compliant flights faced the worst impact. These flights are unable to operate in low-visibility conditions, leading to delays. Passengers were urged to confirm their flight status with airlines directly.

Weather Forecast and Actions

IMD had issued an orange alert for Delhi as well as nearby regions for very dense fog. The dense fog affected highway travel as well, with delays expected across multiple transportation networks. According to IMD’s satellite imagery, a vast portion of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi was engulfed in thick fog, significantly hampering visibility.

Increased Public Safety Measures

In addition to operational delays, local authorities have been taking steps to ensure public safety amid the reduced visibility. With potential hazards to travel, additional measures to manage air traffic and highway movement have been implemented. According to experts, the weather conditions are likely to persist, with foggy weather expected in the coming days.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Over 200 flights were delayed in Delhi due to dense fog conditions.
• Airports struggled with zero visibility, affecting flight operations across multiple regions.
• Delhi’s IGI Airport and other key airports implemented special measures to cope with low visibility.
• The IMD issued an orange alert for fog-related issues, affecting traffic systems in Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Passengers were urged to stay informed about their flight status for smoother travel.

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