Light rainfall overnight in Delhi and heavy snowfall in Kashmir have caused disruptions to flight services, inconveniencing passengers and leading to cancellations and delays.
Flight disruptions at Delhi airport
In Delhi, the combination of steady drizzle and thin fog disrupted ground operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, resulting in the cancellation of 11 flights and delays averaging around 16 minutes. Passengers traveling to international destinations such as Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Vienna, Toronto, and Bangkok were among those affected.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius in the national capital, with forecasts predicting thundershowers and drizzle throughout the day.
According to IMD forecasts, foggy conditions were observed across various parts of the country, with dense to very dense fog reported in isolated pockets of Odisha, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, eastern Rajasthan, and Gangetic West Bengal. Visibility in some areas was recorded at less than 500 meters, significantly impacting travel.
Air traffic from Kashmir suspended due to snowfall
Meanwhile, in Kashmir, air traffic between the valley and the rest of the country was temporarily suspended due to heavy snowfall. The Airport Authority of India reported the cancellation of four flights, with remaining scheduled flights put on standby. Snow clearance operations were initiated to ensure safe travel on the roads, with motorists advised to exercise caution due to slippery conditions.
These weather-related disruptions highlight the challenges faced by travelers and transportation authorities during the winter season. While efforts are made to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions, such as snow clearance operations and standby measures, unpredictable weather patterns can still lead to disruptions in travel plans.