The Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi faced significant disruptions in flight operations as dense fog blanketed the national capital on Monday, December 25. Spicejet alerted passengers to potential delays and urged them to monitor flight statuses due to adverse weather conditions.
As the cold wave tightened its grip on North India, Delhi experienced a colder morning with temperatures plummeting to 9.4 degrees Celsius, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The fog-induced low visibility, dropping to 125 meters in various parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), added to the challenges.
The chilling weather led many seeking refuge in night shelters across Delhi, while visuals from areas like Lodhi Road, Munirka, RK Puram, and Ring Road near AIIMS depicted a city shrouded in thick fog. Simultaneously, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) around 400, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Passengers at Delhi Airport were informed that while landings and take-offs continued, non-CAT III compliant flights might be affected. Eight flights were reportedly diverted to Jaipur and Ahmedabad between 6:00 am and 9:00 am.
The impact of the cold wave extended beyond Delhi, with scenes of dense fog disrupting daily life in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar. The Met department predicted dry weather until the end of the month, with motorists advised to exercise caution due to reduced visibility.
Kashmir, currently in the grasp of the ‘Chilla-i-Kalan,’ the harshest 40-day winter period, witnessed a drop in temperatures. ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ is set to conclude on January 31, followed by ‘Chilla-i-Khurd’ and ‘Chilla-i-Bachha,’ ensuring cold conditions persist in the region.
In the midst of these weather challenges, traffic in Srinagar moved slowly due to reduced visibility, emphasizing the need for caution on the roads.