New Delhi: Flight operations at Delhi airport were affected today as dense fog brought down visibility in some parts of the national capital to zero. Passengers have been advised to contact their respective airlines for updates on their flights.
"While landings and take-offs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," reads the advisory issued by Delhi Airport.
The airport authorities initiated the anti-fog landing system, technically called the CAT-lll Instrument Landing System (ILS). The CAT III system helps with a precision approach and landing when the runway visibility level is low.
The mercury dipped to 9.4 degrees Celsius, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Delhi. The visibility in various parts of the capital plummeted to a mere 125 meters, causing widespread disruptions to daily life. The National Capital Region (NCR) also bore the brunt of the thick fog, resulting in low visibility across most areas.
As the chilling cold tightens its grip on the national capital, residents sought refuge in night shelters across various parts of the city. Similar scenes unfolded in other areas, with locals gathering near fires in the Lodhi Road area to seek solace from the biting cold.
Visuals captured from key locations such as Lodhi Road, Munirka, RK Puram, and Ring Road near AIIMS revealed a dense layer of fog enveloping the surroundings.
The air quality in the national capital remained in the 'very poor' category on Monday. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered around 400.
Flight operations were also affected in southern India as well with Vistara announcing the diversion of several flights. Six flights from Hyderabad en route to Delhi have been diverted due to the fog.
Flight UK897, originally scheduled to travel from Bangalore to Hyderabad, has been redirected back to Bangalore due to adverse weather conditions at Hyderabad airport. Similarly, Flight UK873, which departed from Mumbai en route to Hyderabad, has also encountered unfavorable weather conditions.
Air India today announced the delay of at least 11 flights en route to Delhi due to the prevailing weather conditions.