New Delhi, Dec 16: Dense to very dense fog coupled with toxic smog blanketed the national capital on Monday pushing visibility to near zero in several areas and severely disrupting air rail and road traffic, even as air quality remained in the severe category for the third consecutive day.
The 24 hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 427 on Monday afternoon marking the sixth straight day of severe air pollution this season officials said.
Operations at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were badly hit with over 800 flights delayed and 228 cancelled by late evening while several others were diverted due to poor visibility. Departures were the worst affected as the runway visual range dropped below the minimum threshold required for take offs despite the airport being equipped with CAT-III landing capabilities.
Low visibility procedures were initiated at around 2.30 am with disruptions intensifying after 4 am. The congestion caused cascading delays throughout the day even after fog conditions began to improve.
Airlines including IndiGo Air India and SpiceJet cancelled flights as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety. IndiGo alone cancelled 109 flights while Air India cancelled 19 services citing dense fog and low visibility.
The adverse weather conditions also disrupted rail and road traffic across the National Capital Region with more than 90 trains running behind schedule. Several multi vehicle pile ups were reported on highways near Delhi due to poor visibility claiming at least four lives officials said.
In view of the severe pollution the Delhi government shifted schools up to Class 5 to online mode.
The India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for Tuesday forecasting moderate to dense fog during the early morning hours. However stronger surface winds later in the day may help in dispersing pollutants it said.
Authorities advised passengers to check flight and train status before travelling and to allow extra time as disruptions may continue under prevailing weather conditions.
