Thick Fog and Smog Disrupt North India, Flights Delayed Amid Cold Wave

North India, including Delhi, is experiencing thick fog and toxic smog, with Delhi's AQI in the 'very poor' category (384). This has severely disrupted Delhi airport operations, causing numerous flight cancellations and delays. An intense cold wave and dense fog are also gripping Punjab, Haryana, Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, leading to low visibility and official advisories. The civil aviation ministry has instructed airlines to prioritize passenger facilitation during these widespread disruptions.

North India is currently facing a severe combination of dense fog, toxic smog, and an intensifying cold wave, significantly impacting daily life and travel. Delhi recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 384, placing it in the 'very poor' category. This poor visibility has led to major disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport, with at least 177 flights cancelled and nearly 500 delayed on Friday, and an additional 79 cancellations reported on Saturday. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have issued advisories, requesting passenger patience. The cold wave has intensified across Punjab and Haryana, with Hoshiarpur registering 4.8 degrees Celsius. Kashmir also saw temperatures plummet below freezing, with Pulwama at minus 4 degrees Celsius. Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh are also experiencing dense fog, prompting local administrations to issue health and driving precautions. Uttar Pradesh is under red and orange alerts for very dense fog in numerous districts, as issued by the Met Centre, Lucknow. In response to the widespread travel chaos, the civil aviation ministry has directed airlines to ensure strict compliance with passenger facilitation requirements, including providing timely information, meals for extended delays, and rebooking options.