A thick blanket of fog covers Bhubaneswar, reducing visibility to zero meters and disrupting air travel across the capital region.
Meteorologist Umashankar Dash confirmed the extreme density of the fog, noting that visibility dropped to zero meters in several parts of the city.
Dash shared an update on his X handle, writing, “Visible Distance #Zero Meters. In the Capital #Bhubaneswar region, visibility dropped to 0 meters amid extremely dense fog.” His statement highlighted the severity of the situation and its impact on daily life.
The dense fog created major challenges for air travel. Biju Patnaik International Airport reported delays of 2 to 2.5 hours on flights scheduled for Goa, Kolkata, Guwahati, Utkela, Jaipur, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Passengers faced extended waiting times as airlines adjusted schedules to ensure safety.
At 6:30 am, visibility improved slightly to 50 meters, but the conditions remained unsafe for normal flight operations. Airport authorities monitored the situation closely and coordinated with airlines to manage passenger flow. Travellers expressed frustration over the delays, but safety remained the top priority.
The fog also affected road traffic in Bhubaneswar, with drivers struggling to navigate through the dense fog. Meteorologists warned that similar conditions may continue during early mornings in the coming days. Residents prepared for disruptions while authorities advised caution.
The capital city experienced one of its most severe fog events in recent years, underscoring the challenges of winter weather in Odisha. The incident highlighted the need for improved forecasting and preparedness to minimise disruptions in future.
