New Delhi [India]: The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi issued a passenger advisory on Saturday confirming that all flights are operating normally following an improvement in runway visibility. The airport authorities advised passengers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for updated flight information.
“Runway visibility at Delhi Airport has improved, and all flights are operating normally,” Delhi airport officials posted on X. “Passengers are requested to contact their concerned airline for updated flight information.”
While flight operations returned to normal, dense fog continued to engulf large parts of northern India, creating disruptions elsewhere. The iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, along with New Delhi, the National Capital Region, Kanpur, and Gwalior, remained blanketed in thick fog on Saturday morning.
In Kanpur, residents, including groups of elderly people, were seen gathering around bonfires to keep warm. Speaking to ANI, auto driver Raj Kumar shared, “We face problems getting to work because it is so cold. Bonfires should at least be placed at the roundabouts.” His colleague Sunil Kumar Gupta echoed similar sentiments, saying, “The administration is not paying heed to the cold wave. We are helpless.”
In Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, which is enduring the harsh 40-day winter period known as “Chillai Kalan,” temperatures plunged to -3 degrees Celsius. A tourist from Bhopal visiting the area told ANI, “We have been in Kashmir for the last 3-4 days. It is very cold here,” adding that Dal Lake had frozen over due to the severe weather conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a temperature of 11 degrees Celsius on Saturday morning. Although there were no reports of flight diversions or cancellations at the Delhi airport, several trains experienced delays due to the fog.
The cold wave extended beyond northern India, with visuals from Odisha’s Dhenkanal city showing residents sitting around bonfires to combat the chill. As cold conditions persist, authorities and citizens alike are bracing for further disruptions.