Delhi Wakes Up to Dense Smog Again as AQI Remains ‘Severe’; Low Visibility Disrupts Flights

Visibility dropped sharply in several parts of the city, affecting road traffic and flight operations.

Visibility Drops to 50 Metres at IGI Airport

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport plunged to as low as 50 metres around 7 am, prompting authorities to issue a dense fog warning for the morning and forenoon hours.

The IMD recorded a maximum temperature of 23°C and a minimum temperature of 8°C in Delhi.

Flights Affected; Airport and IndiGo Issue Advisory

Flight operations at Delhi airport were impacted due to low visibility. In an advisory posted on X, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) cautioned passengers about possible delays and disruptions.

“Due to dense fog, flight operations may experience disruptions. Passengers are advised to check flight status with their respective airlines,” the advisory stated.

IndiGo airline also alerted passengers, citing poor visibility conditions over Delhi. The airline urged travellers to allow extra travel time to reach the airport as road traffic slowed due to the smog.

Multiple Areas Record ‘Severe’ AQI Levels

Several areas across Delhi reported extremely poor air quality:

• Barakhamba Road: AQI 474

• Akshardham: AQI 493

• Dwarka Sector-14: AQI 469

Visuals from across the city showed a thick layer of haze engulfing major roads, significantly reducing visibility.

Three Stations Hit Maximum AQI of 500

Air pollution worsened significantly over the weekend. At least three monitoring stations — Wazirpur, Rohini, and Ashok Vihar — recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 500, the maximum limit reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Data showed that 38 out of 39 monitoring stations in Delhi remained in the ‘severe’ or ‘severe-plus’ category at various times on Sunday.

Among the worst-affected areas were:

• Jahangirpuri: AQI 499

• Mundka: AQI 499

• Bawana: AQI 498

• DTU: AQI 497

• Vivek Vihar: AQI 497

• Okhla Phase-2: AQI 490

The best air quality was recorded at Shadipur, which still remained in the ‘very poor’ category with an AQI of 375.

AQI Categories Explained

As per CPCB standards:

• Moderate: 101–200

• Poor: 201–300

• Very Poor: 301–400

• Severe: Above 400

For mitigation measures, AQI levels above 450 are categorised as ‘severe plus’, indicating extremely hazardous conditions.