Delhi witnessed severe fog and smog conditions, leading to widespread travel disruption across air, rail, and road networks. The dense fog was so intense that even flights carrying Prime Minister Narendra Modi and global football icon Lionel Messi were affected, highlighting the seriousness of the situation in the national capital.
The incident once again brought Delhi’s winter air quality crisis into focus.
What Happened in Delhi?
In the early hours, Delhi was covered under a thick layer of fog and smog, drastically reducing visibility at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Visibility levels reportedly dropped to near-zero in several areas, forcing air traffic authorities to slow down operations.
As a result:
- Multiple flights were delayed
- Some flights were diverted
- Passengers faced long waiting hours
- Airport operations were severely impacted
PM Modi’s Flight Affected
Sources confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flight also experienced delays due to poor visibility conditions. While security protocols were strictly followed, the fog caused operational delays in takeoff and landing schedules.
Officials ensured that all safety measures were in place, and the delay was purely weather-related.
Lionel Messi’s Flight Delay Draws Global Attention
Adding to the headlines, a flight associated with Argentine football legend Lionel Messi was also delayed due to the same weather conditions. The involvement of an international sports icon brought global attention to Delhi’s worsening winter smog problem.
Although no safety issues were reported, the delay underlined how severe the fog situation had become.
Impact on Air Travel
According to airport officials, dozens of flights were impacted, including:
- Domestic flights
- International flights
- VIP and chartered aircraft
Airlines issued advisories urging passengers to:
- Check flight status before leaving for the airport
- Expect delays and rescheduling
- Cooperate with airline staff
Delhi Weather and Air Quality Situation
The fog was accompanied by hazardous air quality levels, with AQI remaining in the “very poor” to “severe” category in many parts of the city.
Key contributing factors included:
- Low wind speed
- High moisture levels
- Vehicle emissions
- Crop residue smoke
- Winter temperature inversion
These conditions trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening smog formation.
Public Reaction and Concerns
The disruption sparked fresh concerns among residents and experts about:
- Repeated winter pollution episodes
- Health risks due to prolonged smog exposure
- Impact on travel, tourism, and daily life
Social media was flooded with visuals showing poor visibility on roads, highways, and airport runways.
Authorities Issue Advisory
Authorities advised people to:
- Avoid non-essential travel during early morning hours
- Use masks when outdoors
- Limit outdoor activities
- Follow official weather and travel advisories
Schools, offices, and transport services remained alert as fog conditions persisted.
Conclusion
The delay of flights carrying PM Modi and Lionel Messi due to dense fog highlights the serious impact of Delhi’s winter smog. While weather conditions gradually improved later in the day, the incident once again exposed how pollution and fog continue to disrupt life in the national capital every winter.
As Delhi heads deeper into the season, experts warn that such episodes may continue unless long-term pollution control measures are implemented.
