Dense fog and severe air pollution have thrown the national capital into chaos, disrupting flight schedules and traffic movement, as authorities scramble to manage the worsening situation.
On Sunday night, private airline IndiGo issued a travel advisory warning passengers of potential delays due to low visibility caused by thick fog. The airline urged travelers to plan extra time for their journeys and check their flight statuses before heading to the airport. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) at 11:44 pm, IndiGo said, “#6ETravelAdvisory: Fog is currently affecting visibility in Delhi, which may lead to slow-moving traffic and delays in flight schedules.”
Earlier in the day, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) confirmed that Indira Gandhi International Airport was operating under low visibility procedures. Despite this, flight operations were reported to be normal as of 10:14 pm. DIAL, which oversees one of Asia’s busiest airports, advised passengers to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight timings.
The airport typically handles around 1,400 flight movements daily, so any disruptions could cause cascading delays across airlines.
In addition to the fog, the capital’s air quality has deteriorated sharply, exacerbating the travel difficulties. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 450 mark, placing it in the “severe plus” category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat the pollution crisis. Stage IV measures include banning the entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi, except those carrying essential goods or critical services.
The combination of thick fog and dangerously high pollution levels has made commuting hazardous, with slow-moving traffic reported on major routes across the city. Public health advisories are urging residents—particularly those with respiratory conditions—to avoid outdoor activities.
With visibility remaining poor and pollution levels at their peak, authorities continue to monitor the situation and take emergency measures to protect public health and safety.
