Smog wreaks havoc in the Indian capital

Dense fog and severe air quality levels have caused tourism chaos in India’s capital, Delhi.

Visibility was reported to be zero in several areas in the early hours of Friday, disrupting flights, trains and road transport.

More than 150 flights have been delayed and dozens of trains behind schedule due to bad weather conditions, reports said.

This is a repetitive a problem in northern India every winter, where low temperatures between December and January trap pollutants close to the ground – affecting visibility – making travel difficult and the air dangerous.

Delhi’s air quality index was above 400 in several areas, according to state data Safar site. This is more than 25 times the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Authorities in the capital have reinstated anti-pollution measures that include a ban on construction and demolition, as well as online school classes.

Videos and photos from Delhi and nearby cities showed roads and farms covered in fog, which obscured buildings.

Delhi Airport has issued an advisory warning passengers of possible disruption due to low visibility.

“While landings and takeoffs continue at Delhi airport, non-CAT III flights may be affected,” advisory to read CAT III is a system that allows aircraft to land in low visibility conditions.

According to flight-tracking website flightradar24, departures at Delhi airport were delayed for more than 30 minutes and arrivals were delayed for almost 20 minutes.

Several passengers took to social media to complain about the chaos at the airport.

“No approach display and no one seems to know the exact status,” wrote a user on X (formerly Twitter).

Meanwhile, 26 city-bound trains are running late due to fog, Indian Railways said.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast light showers over the weekend, which are expected to improve visibility.

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