- Smog covered Delhi and nearby areas, with AQI at 456, indicating severe pollution
- Visibility was reduced, causing flight disruptions
- Delhi Airport and airlines warned of flight disruptions and advised passengers to check updates with airlines
A dense blanket of smog continued to cover Delhi and its adjoining areas on Monday morning as the air quality remained in the 'severe' category, reducing visibility and disrupting flight and train operations. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 456 at 6 am, according to the data available on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) website - making it the season's second-worst AQI.
It was 461 on Sunday - the second-worst air quality day on record.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
Videos showed a thick layer of toxic air at Delhi's Akshardham, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 493.
More clips show poor visibility in many areas, including the Barapulla flyover - where AQI was recorded 433, and Barakhamba Road - where AQI was 474.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'orange' alert for dense smog today.
The visibility was reduced in the national capital due to the thick layer of toxic smog, with at least 100 flights being cancelled, and over 300 delayed at Delhi airport, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24.
The Delhi Airport issued an advisory for commuters.
"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," it said in a post on X.
IndiGo also issued an advisory, informing passengers of flight cancellations and delays.
"Due to dense fog in Delhi this morning, visibility has reduced drastically, impacting flight operations. As a precaution, some flights may be proactively cancelled through the day to prioritise safety and help minimise extended waiting at the airport. We understand how inconvenient this can be, especially when travel plans are important. Please be assured that our teams across airports are working continuously to manage operations as smoothly as possible, and keep you informed as the situation evolves," it said.
In another post, the airline also urged passengers to allow additional time while planning their journey to the airport as road traffic may be slower due to the toxic haze.
Air India, in its advisory, said, "Poor visibility due to dense fog is impacting flight operations in Delhi and parts of Northern India."
Over 90 trains arriving and departing from Delhi were delayed by six to seven hours due to low visibility.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday had invoked the strictest measures (Stage IV) under its air pollution control plan, Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including a ban on all construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR after pollution levels rose sharply amid unfavourable meteorological conditions. Additionally, the Delhi government directed 50 per cent of staff in government and private offices to work from home, while all schools until Class 11 (except Class 10) were directed to conduct classes in hybrid mode - both physical and online.
