Delhi Weather Update / Dense Fog Grips Delhi-NCR: Flights, Trains Delayed; Schools Shut, AQI Crosses 400

Delhi-NCR is engulfed in dense fog, severely reducing visibility. Road traffic has slowed, over 100 trains and multiple flights are affected. Schools in Noida and Ghaziabad are closed until January 1st. Pollution levels have also surged, with AQI exceeding 400 in several areas.

The entire Delhi-NCR region has been under a thick blanket of dense fog since midnight, bringing daily life to a standstill. Visibility has plummeted to extremely low levels, with some areas reporting less than five meters, casting a pall of darkness over roads and severely impeding traffic movement. This severe weather condition has not only disrupted road transport but has also Importantly impacted air and rail services, causing widespread inconvenience to commuters and travelers alike.

Road Traffic Comes to a Crawl

Due to the dense fog, vehicles on Delhi-NCR roads are seen crawling at a snail's pace. Drivers are compelled to use their parking lights and fog lamps to gain even a minimal view of the road ahead. The drastically reduced visibility has heightened the risk of accidents, prompting advisories for people to avoid unnecessary travel. The slow movement of vehicles has also led to significant traffic jams in various locations, causing commuters. To spend much longer than usual to reach their destinations, adding to the frustration of daily travel.

Severe Disruptions in Air Travel

Air services at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have been severely affected by the dense fog, while the airport has issued an advisory to passengers, stating that flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III conditions, which may lead to delays and cancellations. A flight from Goa to Delhi was diverted to Ahmedabad, while many other flights bound for Delhi were initially diverted to Jaipur. Due to heavy air traffic pressure at Jaipur Airport, subsequent flights are now. Being redirected to Ahmedabad, causing considerable inconvenience and extended travel times for passengers.

Rail Services Also Face Delays

The impact of the dense fog isn't limited to air travel; rail services have also been extensively affected. More than 100 trains are running late due to low visibility, stranding thousands of passengers at various stations. Also, five trains have been diverted from their scheduled routes, disrupting the travel plans of numerous individuals. Railway authorities have urged passengers to check their train schedules before commencing their journeys to avoid any inconvenience and stay updated on the latest operational status.

Rising Pollution Levels Add to Woes

Prioritizing the safety of children, the administrations of Noida and Ghaziabad have announced school closures in light of the dense fog and prevailing cold conditions. All schools in these two districts will remain shut until January 1st. This decision has been taken to protect children from the potential hazards posed by the severe weather and low visibility, ensuring they can stay safe at home during this challenging period.

Compounding the problems caused by the fog, Delhi's pollution levels have also surged to alarming levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in several parts of Delhi has crossed the 400 mark, categorizing the air quality as 'severe'. Areas like Anand Vihar and Rajghat have recorded AQI levels above 400. Dense fog traps pollutants close to the ground, exacerbating air quality issues. This situation poses serious health concerns, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory ailments, making it crucial for residents to take necessary precautions.

Advisory for Travelers and Public Safety

Delhi Airport has requested passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest information regarding their flight status. Similarly, drivers on the road are advised to use fog lamps and parking lights and exercise extreme caution. The meteorological department anticipates similar conditions to persist for the next few days, urging all citizens to check weather updates and take necessary precautions before stepping out. Ground teams are actively assisting passengers to ensure smooth travel, but travelers are also encouraged to be fully prepared before embarking on their journeys.

#WATCH | Delhi | As cold waves grip the national capital, few flights are delayed at IGI Airport due to fog.

(Visuals from Indira Gandhi International Airport) pic.twitter.com/0Zlvs7gzlR
— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2025