Delhi’s worsening air quality has caused significant disruptions to train and flight operations, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond India’s borders. As thick smog blanketed the national capital, travelers experienced delays, cancellations, and prolonged waiting times, highlighting the vulnerability of global travel infrastructure to environmental challenges.

At the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), one of the busiest airports in the world, low visibility due to smog caused severe disruptions on Monday morning. According to Flightradar24, over 160 flights were delayed, including 118 departures and 43 arrivals, with the average departure delay clocking in at 22 minutes. Seven flights were cancelled entirely during the early hours. The airport issued an advisory urging passengers to stay in touch with their airlines for updates. Low visibility procedures were implemented, adding to the operational challenges. Airlines scrambled to adjust schedules, manage stranded passengers, and reroute flights as visibility remained critically low. International flights faced additional challenges, with ripple effects felt at connecting airports across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Train operations in Delhi faced similar turmoil. Over 28 trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Anand Vihar Railway stations were delayed by two to nine hours. The prolonged waiting times left passengers bound for other cities stranded outside railway stations. These delays also disrupted cargo logistics, affecting both domestic and international supply chains.

Local Travelers:

  • Thousands of passengers faced long waiting times at the airport and railway stations.
  • Primary school classes were shifted online, affecting families traveling with children.

Global Travelers:

  • International travelers experienced missed connections, extended layovers, and rescheduled flights.
  • Business travelers and tourists faced uncertainties, disrupting their itineraries in and out of Delhi.

The smog resulted from air pollution levels reaching alarming heights. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 481 in Delhi on Monday morning, categorizing it as “severe plus.” This is the highest category of air pollution, posing grave health risks even to healthy individuals, and even more so to vulnerable populations. The city’s GRAP Stage 4 anti-pollution measures were activated, leading to staggered office timings to curb pollution. While central government offices operated from 9 am to 5:30 pm, Delhi government offices worked from 10 am to 6:30 pm, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Such measures, though necessary, added to logistical complexities for local businesses and travelers alike.

The disruptions in Delhi highlight significant challenges for the global travel and tourism industry:

  1. Flight Connectivity: Delays at a major hub like IGIA affect connecting flights worldwide, causing disruptions in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
  2. Logistical Challenges: Airlines and railway operators face increased costs due to delays and cancellations.
  3. Health Concerns: Rising pollution levels deter tourists, especially those planning long-term stays or outdoor activities.
  4. Reputation Impact: As Delhi grapples with its annual pollution crisis, its image as a travel destination is impacted, potentially reducing international tourist footfall.

For travelers, the disruptions in Delhi underline the importance of flexible planning and real-time updates. As air quality becomes a recurring concern, both domestic and international tourists must prepare for potential delays during peak pollution months.

Key Takeaways for the Travel Industry:

  • Adaptability: Airlines and railways must refine their crisis management protocols.
  • Sustainability Focus: Investments in cleaner energy and emissions control are essential to reducing pollution’s impact on travel.
  • Health Safety: Travel operators should prioritize health advisories and protective measures for passengers.

Delhi’s travel disruptions underscore a growing global challenge: how environmental issues like pollution and climate change can impact travel. As cities worldwide experience similar challenges, the travel industry must adapt to these changing dynamics to ensure smoother operations and traveler safety.

The post Delhi’s Smog Crisis Disrupts Global Travel: Over 160 Flights and 28 Trains Delayed Amid ‘Severe Plus’ Air Quality appeared first on Travel And Tour World.