Delhi experienced dense fog on Thursday morning, prompting the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport to implement low visibility procedures. Despite the challenging weather, flight operations of CAT III-compliant aircraft remained unaffected. However, on Wednesday, airport officials issued an advisory warning that flights equipped in CAT III compliance may face disruptions.
In a social media post, the airport said, “As landings and take-offs continue at Delhi Airport, non-CAT III compliant flights may be affected.” Officials have also advised passengers to contact the respective airlines for updated flight information, adding, “Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted.”
CAT III, a category of precision landing system, enables aircraft to land in extremely low visibility conditions.
Meanwhile, dense fog has also affected train services, with at least 18 Delhi-bound trains running late. These included major services like Awadh Assam Express, Unchahar Express, Vikramshila Express, Sampurna Kranti Express, Shiv Ganga Express, and Duronto Express.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius on December 26 and 28 due to dense fog during the late night and early morning hours. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 372 on Thursday morning. ‘Very poor’ category.
For reference, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) noted that Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar and Bawana recorded AQI levels of 372, 362 and 376 respectively. An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as ‘very weak’, while a level between 401 and 500 is considered ‘severe’.
The IMD has also forecast light rain with surface winds from northeast at a speed of less than 4 kmph in partly cloudy skies during the evening or night.