Heavy fog has hit north India for the past two days, grounding flights across the region due to low visibility as well as bringing trains to a halt at railway stations.
In Delhi alone – a major airport and railway hub - at least 78 flights have been diverted over three days day at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport) and several others delayed. Visibility fell to below 50 metres on the morning of December 27, 2010, affecting 49 flights in total: 16 domestic fights and seven international flights were diverted while 26 flights were cancelled. Additionally, five trains going in and out of the capital have been diverted.
Fog started to descend upon the nation on December 26, which disrupted over 70 flights immediately: 40 flights were diverted, 38 flights were cancelled and at least 100 trains were delayed.
Though Low Visibility Procedures have been lifted, flights are still dealing with the backlog of passengers stranded at the airport. The meteorological department has predicted the fog to continue, which may cause further disruptions.
For flight statuses at IGI Airport, visit www.newdelhiairport.in
Alisha Haridasani
