“Flights and Trains Likely Delayed as Hazy Fog Persists Over North India”

Dense Fog and Haze to Disrupt Flights and Trains in North India for Two More Days.

Weather agencies have warned that fog and haze will continue to affect air and rail travel across northern India for at least the next two days. A western disturbance over the region is expected to weaken only by Tuesday, keeping visibility low during early mornings and late nights.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that while fog may gradually thin, some areas could still see visibility drop to 200 metres or less.

Air Travel Affected

Airlines reported ongoing disruptions on Monday, December 22. IndiGo cancelled two flights—from Pune to New Delhi and Pune to Amritsar—while Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport had experienced widespread chaos on Sunday, with over 100 flights cancelled and more than 500 delayed.

Passengers have been advised to stay updated on schedules, as sudden changes in weather may cause further delays.

Rail Services Hit

Northern Railway reported delays to more than 50 trains on Sunday, with some running over six hours late. Early morning fog continued to impact train operations on Monday across several routes.

Visibility and Air Quality Concerns

Delhi remained under a thick layer of haze on Sunday. Visibility fell to 200 metres at Safdarjung and 300 metres at Palam, classified as dense fog by the IMD. Air quality improved slightly but remained in the “very poor” category, with an AQI of 377, marking the 11th consecutive day of unhealthy pollution levels.

Snowfall in Hill Stations

The fog is linked to a western disturbance that brought fresh snowfall to Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh. Tourist spots like Gulmarg and Sonamarg saw fresh snow, while higher passes recorded moderate accumulation. Snowfall and rain are expected to ease by Tuesday, which should gradually improve conditions in the plains.

Forecast Ahead

Fog is expected to ease after December 23, but winter fog will remain a regular feature. More western disturbances are possible in January, raising the risk of fresh spells of dense fog and travel disruptions.

Travelers are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys, and check updates regularly.