Dense fog disrupts operations at Delhi airport, delays trains

Delhi: Delhi shivered in bitter cold as temperatures plunged to 2.5 degrees Celsius, prompting the Met Department to issue a 'red' alert for the national capital. With dense fog enveloping the city, three flights were diverted and 30 trains were delayed on Monday, said officials.

The Delhi airport issued an advisory that read, “Low visibility procedures are still in progress. Departures may be impacted if Runway visibility range falls below, 125m. Please get in touch with airline concerned, for further updates.”

Indigo also released a statement on the climate affecting its operations. It said, “Our flights are affected due to dense fog that has covered all of North India. Do keep a track of your flight status.”

Not just Delhi, flights were delayed in other northern cities like Varanasi and Kishangarh. Carriers like Indigo, SpiceJet and GoAir issued advisories, stating that their flight services could be disrupted.

Thick fog in Uttar Pradesh led to the death of six people after a car carrying them rolled into a canal. The police said the driver lost control of the vehicle apparently due to poor visibility. This is the first time in 22 years Delhi has witnessed such dense fog.

According to IMD forecast, the cold wave will persist for at least two more years (days?, please check). Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh will be affected, it said.