Thick Blanket of Fog Disrupts Life Across North India: Flights, Trains Delayed

For the second consecutive day, dense fog has engulfed large parts of North India, significantly reducing visibility and disrupting daily activities. The adverse weather conditions have particularly impacted flight operations, train schedules, and road transportation, leaving passengers stranded and commuters frustrated.
Visibility Drops to Near Zero in Several Areas
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility in Delhi, Lucknow, and parts of Punjab and Haryana dropped below 50 meters early in the morning. This marked one of the most severe fog episodes of the winter season.
The IMD attributed the persistent fog to high humidity, low temperatures, and calm winds. These factors have created an ideal environment for fog formation, with no immediate relief expected in the coming days.
Update issued at 00:05 hours.
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) January 3, 2025
Kind attention to all flyers!#Fog #FogAlert #DelhiAirport pic.twitter.com/fQZakeRWAV
Impact on Transportation
Flight Operations
- Over 100 flights were delayed, diverted, or canceled at major airports, including Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Chandigarh International Airport.
- Passengers faced long hours of waiting as airlines struggled to manage the disruptions.
- Authorities advised travelers to check flight schedules before heading to airports.
#6ETravelAdvisory: Departures and arrivals at #DelhiAirport are currently on hold due to reduced visibility. Please stay updated on your flight status https://t.co/IEBbuCsa3e. Once operations resume, flights may still encounter delays due to airside congestion. (1/2)
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) January 3, 2025
Train Services
- Northern Railways reported delays in over 200 trains, with several long-distance services running behind schedule by up to 8 hours.
- Passengers were seen braving the cold weather at railway stations as they awaited updates on their trains.
Road Traffic
- The fog severely affected road traffic, leading to multiple accidents on highways.
- In Delhi and nearby areas, commuters faced extended travel times during peak hours due to low visibility.
Health and Safety Concerns
Doctors have warned of health risks associated with prolonged exposure to dense fog, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. Additionally, authorities have urged drivers to use fog lights and avoid speeding to reduce the risk of accidents.
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India (@airindia) January 3, 2025
Poor visibility due to dense fog is impacting flight operations in Delhi and parts of Northern India. Please check your flight status at: https://t.co/6ajUZVeeIM before heading to the airport.
Preventive Measures Underway
To mitigate the impact, local administrations have initiated measures, including:
- Deploying traffic police at key junctions to manage vehicular movement.
- Issuing advisories for schools to delay start times to ensure the safety of students.
- Providing updates on visibility and transportation schedules through local news and social media.
Outlook
The IMD predicts that foggy conditions will persist for the next 48 hours, gradually improving as the wind patterns shift. Travelers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and stay updated on the latest weather bulletins.
#WeatherUpdate (03rd Jan'25): Due to bad weather (poor visibility) in Delhi (DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights might get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via https://t.co/2wynECZugy.
— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) January 3, 2025
Dense fog remains a significant seasonal challenge in North India. It affects millions of lives and underscores the need for adaptive strategies to manage its impact on transportation and public safety.