New Delhi, Dec 20: Extreme fog continued to blanket large parts of northern India early Saturday, causing widespread disruptions in air, rail, and road transport, with Delhi being the worst hit. The dense fog led to the cancellation of 129 flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport, including 66 arrivals and 63 departures, due to low visibility.

At the airport, operations were conducted under CAT III low-visibility conditions, and despite restrictions, flights continued with delays and rescheduling. The fog also affected road traffic, with visibility dropping to 200 metres at Safdarjung and 350 metres at Palam. Motorists were seen driving cautiously across major roads and residential areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Delhi, warning of dense to very dense fog that could cause further disruptions. The fog, which is expected to persist throughout the day, has affected air, rail, and road travel, increasing the risk of delays.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines to adhere to passenger facilitation norms during such conditions, requiring them to provide timely updates and ensure compensation for long delays and cancellations. Passengers were urged to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.

In Uttar Pradesh, the fog affected visibility at tourist sites like the Taj Mahal in Agra, while cities like Kanpur and Mathura reported poor visibility. Pollution levels in Delhi also remained high, with several areas recording AQI levels above 400.