Dense fog hits Delhi, flights delayed; IndiGo halts Leh operations due to snowfall
New Delhi: Dense fog blanketed parts of north India on Monday morning, disrupting flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, while IndiGo temporarily suspended flights to Leh due to heavy snowfall.
According to a report published by Hindustan Times, low visibility caused delays to several early-morning flights at Delhi airport, officials said. By 9 am, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 256, placing it in the ‘poor’ category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
In a travel advisory, IndiGo reportedly said flight operations to and from Leh were put on hold because of snowfall, affecting both take-offs and landings. The airline warned passengers of possible extended wait times and said boarding formalities may be completed in advance so that flights can depart quickly once clearance is granted. Passengers were advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Within Delhi, pollution levels varied across locations, with several areas recording ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ air quality, adding to visibility concerns. Authorities said foggy conditions were the primary reason for flight delays at IGI Airport.
Mumbai also witnessed hazy conditions at the start of the day. Visuals from the Bandra Kurla Complex and Bandra Reclamation showed smog hovering over the skyline. The AQI in these areas was recorded at 132, which falls under the ‘moderate’ category, according to CPCB data.
In the Northeast, Guwahati experienced a cold and foggy morning as a cold wave swept through the city. The AQI was measured at 72, categorised as ‘satisfactory’. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted a minimum temperature of 14 degrees Celsius for Assam’s capital.
Meanwhile, Delhi authorities said Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were lifted on Friday evening after air quality showed improvement due to favourable weather conditions.
However, officials urged residents to continue following measures under Stages I and II of GRAP to prevent further deterioration. The government also clarified that construction and demolition sites shut down for violations will not be allowed to reopen without specific approval from the Commission.
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US–Iran first round direct talks conclude in Islamabad: Report
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The first round of direct talks between the United States and Iran, held in Islamabad, has concluded, Al Jazeera reported citing sources close to the development.
According to the report, following the discussions, delegations from both sides agreed to exchange written documents, a move aimed at ensuring clarity and consensus on the understandings reached during the meeting.
Both the Iranian and US delegations arrived in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, amid high security for the peace talks.
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