NEW DELHI | January 17, 2026 — The national capital and its surrounding regions were swallowed by a thick blanket of “very dense” fog early Saturday morning, as a persistent cold wave tightened its grip on Northern India. The hazardous conditions led to significant disruptions at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and across the railway network, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
Transport Gridlock: Flights and Railways Hit
Visibility at the IGI Airport plummeted to 50 meters in the early hours, forcing authorities to implement low-visibility procedures.
Aviation: Over 40 flights—both domestic and international—experienced delays. Airline carriers including IndiGo and Air India issued advisories urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Railways: The fog also severely impacted the Northern Railways, with more than 22 trains arriving in or departing from Delhi running behind schedule by 2 to 6 hours. Roads: On major expressways like the DND Flyway and Yamuna Expressway, motorists were seen crawling with hazard lights on as visibility remained near zero until 9:00 AM.
Temperature and Weather Outlook
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that while the minimum temperature saw a marginal rise to 7°C (up from Friday’s 4°C), the “feels like” temperature remained much lower due to icy winds and high humidity.
“A Yellow Alert remains in place for Delhi. While a Western Disturbance might bring slight relief by January 19, dense fog is expected to persist during the early morning hours for the next 48 hours,” an IMD official stated.
Pollution Crisis: GRAP-III Reimposed
The weather woes were compounded by a drastic dip in air quality. As the heavy fog trapped pollutants close to the ground, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 368 (Very Poor), with several hotspots like Chandni Chowk and ITO crossing the 400 (Severe) mark.
In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has officially reimposed Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR.
Key Restrictions under GRAP-III:
A strict ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities.
Restrictions on the plying of BS-III Petrol and BS-IV Diesel four-wheelers.
Increased frequency of mechanized road sweeping and water sprinkling.
Safety Advisory for Residents
Authorities have advised the elderly and those with respiratory issues to avoid outdoor activities during early morning and late evening hours. Commuters are urged to use fog lights and maintain a safe distance between vehicles on highways.
