New Delhi: Dense fog engulfed North India as visibility reduced to near-zero on Sunday morning, January 18. The fog blanketed the region, resulting in disruption in flight operations, prompting Delhi Airport authorities and Air India to issue travel advisories.

The authorities urged passengers to check flight updates before leaving for the airport and to allow extra travel time. Air India warned passengers that low visibility due to dense fog was impacting their flight operations across the network. The airline’s ground staff will assist passengers and take proactive measures to prevent further delays or disruptions.

The airline also confirmed that passengers can reschedule their flights at no extra cost or receive a full refund in case of cancellations without penalty. “The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority,” the advisory wrote.

Passenger Advisory issued at 06:00 hrs.

Please click on this link for real-time winter travel updates: https://t.co/Y0B6lhwIj4#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/mB5pzJgY0q

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport)

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassed the 400-mark, placing the region in the ‘Severe+’ category. Additionally, the dense fog reduced the visibility, and the national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 4.4 degrees Celsius.

A thick layer of smog blanketed India Gate and Kartavya Path early in the morning. The Delhi-Noida-Delhi (DND) flyway, Akshardham area, Barapullah flyover, and several parts of Delhi-NCR were also engulfed by fog.

With Delhi’s AQI touching 437, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reimposed the GRAP-IV curbs in the capital amid alarming pollution levels.

IMD issued red alert in several areas amid near-zero visibility. The warning will remain valid till 8:15 am over the parts of South Delhi, North Delhi, East Delhi, Central Delhi, Shahadra, West Delhi, South West Delhi, and North West Delhi. However, the remaining Delhi part is under yellow alert due to fog by IMD.