NEW DELHI: Athick layer of smog and dense fog covered Delhi-NCR on Monday morning, pushing air quality into the ‘severe’ range and affecting flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Several flights were delayed after visibility dropped sharply due to the fog. This was the first major spell of winter fog in the national capital this season, according to news agency IANS.
The Air Quality Index, or AQI, stood at 457 at 6 am, data from the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi showed. Visibility fell in many parts of the region, slowing early morning travel.
Fog disrupts flights at Delhi airport
Dense fog over the city reduced visibility at Palam airport in the early hours, leading airlines to issue travel advisories, UNI reported. As per details available, 40 flights were cancelled while four others were diverted. A large number of flights were also delayed in their arrivals and departures.
Visibility fell to 100 metres at around 4:30 am and may drop further to 50 metres. Light westerly winds of 5 to 7 kmph were reported. The poor visibility affected flights.
“Due to dense fog, flight operations may experience disruptions. We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to passengers. For the latest flight updates, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused,” said Delhi International Airport Limited in a passenger advisory.
Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India said they are closely watching the situation. In messages posted on X, the airlines asked passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. They said safety remains the top priority, and staff are available to help travellers.
IndiGo posted, “Low visibility and fog over Delhi will impact flight schedules. We’re keeping a close watch on the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly. We request you to stay updated on your flight status via our website or app. Be assured, our teams are here to assist you at every step and ensure support.”
“Here’s hoping clearer skies help us serve you better soon and thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time,” added IndiGo.
Meanwhile, Air India also issued a travel advisory: “Poor visibility due to dense fog is impacting flight operations in Delhi and parts of Northern India. Please check your flight status at: http://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before heading to the airport.”
Passengers were advised to plan their journeys carefully as weather conditions remain difficult.
Pollution remains severe across the city
Delhi also woke up to heavy smog, raising fresh concerns about public health. In many areas, a thick haze made it hard to see over short distances.
Pollution levels stayed very high at several monitoring stations. The AQI was 493 in Akshardham and 469 in Dwarka Sector-14, both classed as ‘severe’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
At Wazirpur, Rohini and Ashok Vihar, the 24-hour average AQI reached 500, the highest level shown by pollution monitors.
An AQI above 400 is considered ‘severe’. Readings of 450 and higher fall under ‘severe plus’, which is seen as extremely dangerous.
Fog warning issued; temperatures remain low
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had warned of dense fog during the morning and forenoon. Similar conditions were reported from the Safdarjung weather station.
The highest temperature in Delhi was 23°C, while the lowest fell to 8°C, adding to the winter chill.
Strict pollution curbs in place across NCR
With air quality staying well above safe limits, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has put Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) into effect across the NCR.
This stage is enforced when AQI crosses 450 and brings in the toughest curbs to stop pollution from rising further.
All construction and demolition work has been stopped. Stone crushers, mining units and related operations have also been ordered to shut.
Restrictions on polluting vehicles have been tightened as authorities try to limit emissions during the pollution crisis.
Agencies