Fog disruptions: bad days ahead for travellers
27 Dec 2010
Heavy fog over northern India continued to disrupt train and flight schedules for the third day running on Monday.
Dense smog enveloped the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the capital, leading to delays and diversions of more than 70 flights. Some, including a Thai Airways flight, were diverted as far as Ahmedabad, causing intense discomfort and irritation to passengers.
The situation was similar at railway stations, as the railways rescheduled at least five trains and delayed 55 others due to low visibility. Tens of thousands of passengers were left stranded at the capital's three major railway stations.
Fog descended on the airport on Sunday night and gradually became dense, forcing airport authorities to implement low visibility procedure. This morning, around 23 flights coming to Delhi were diverted.
Weather officials said the situation was much better today as compared to Sunday. However, the India Meteorological Department has predicted foggy days ahead, which means the disruptions will continue.
The stranded passengers were exasperated and agitated by the lack of information and cooperation from the authorities.
