Heavy smog enveloped Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday morning, sharply reducing visibility and triggering major disruptions to air traffic across the region. At least 61 flights were cancelled, while more than 400 others were delayed. In addition, five incoming flights were diverted due to dense fog conditions.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Sameer app showed the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital at a ‘severe’ 454 at 7:05 am. On Sunday, the AQI had touched 461, making it the second-worst December air quality day on record.
The poor visibility also delayed the arrival of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, who was scheduled to reach Delhi for the final leg of his G.O.A.T Tour. His flight from Mumbai was postponed due to dense fog, news agency PTI reported.
Earlier in the day, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a travel advisory warning passengers of possible disruptions to flight operations. “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,” the airport said in a post on social media platform X.
IndiGo, which has faced significant operational disruptions over the past week, also issued an advisory highlighting the impact of low visibility on flight schedules. “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,” the airline said.
Requesting passengers to stay alert, IndiGo added, “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.”
In a separate post, the carrier urged travellers to allow extra time for their journey to the airport as road traffic may be slower due to the toxic haze. “As conditions improve, we will continue departures with safety at the forefront,” it said.
Air India also advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. “#TravelAdvisory… Poor visibility due to dense fog is impacting flight operations in Delhi and parts of Northern India. Please check your flight status before heading to the airport,” the airline posted on X.
Videos circulating on social media showed a thick layer of toxic air blanketing several parts of the capital. At Akshardham, the AQI was recorded at 493, while readings at the Barapulla flyover stood at 433 and Barakhamba Road at 474, indicating hazardous air quality and severely reduced visibility.
Under CPCB standards, an AQI between 401 and 500 falls in the ‘severe’ category and poses serious health risks even to healthy individuals. In response to the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the strictest set of measures under the air pollution control framework.
The measures include a complete ban on construction and demolition activities across the Delhi-NCR region. The Delhi government has also directed 50 per cent of staff in government and private offices to work from home.
Additionally, schools up to Class 11, excluding Class 10, have been instructed to conduct classes in hybrid mode, allowing both online and physical attendance, until air quality conditions improve.
