AQI Past 400 As Smog And Fog Disrupt Flights, Trains And Road Traffic In Delhi

Delhi woke up to a hazardous winter morning as dense smog and severe air pollution enveloped the capital, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) past 400 and sharply reducing visibility.

Authorities have classified the air as ‘severe’, warning residents to limit outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions.

The city’s overall AQI was recorded at 402 at 7 AM, with 25 out of 40 monitoring stations reporting levels in the ‘severe’ category.

Vivek Vihar (AQI 458), Anand Vihar (AQI 459), Wazirpur (AQI 444), and Rohini (AQI 445) were among the most polluted areas.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remained the dominant pollutant. Data from Lodhi Road and RK Puram stations was temporarily unavailable.

Dense fog compounded the crisis, drastically reducing visibility and slowing traffic.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for very dense fog between 5:31 AM and 8:31 AM, urging residents to drive carefully, use fog lights, avoid unnecessary travel, and cover their faces outdoors.

Flight Operations Hit at Delhi Airport

Visibility at Delhi Airport fell to around 125 metres, with runway visibility between 100 and 150 metres.

Flight operations at Delhi Airport continued under CAT III conditions due to the fog, prompting possible delays and cancellations.

Passenger advisories urged travellers to check flight status with their airlines. IndiGo reported slower operations at Delhi and Hindon airports due to fog, emphasising passenger safety and offering rebooking and refund options.

Air India has warned of low visibility across northern India, including Delhi, and assured passengers of ground assistance in the event of disruptions.

Rail services also suffered delays, with trains such as the Rajdhani Express, Vande Bharat, and Jan Shatabdi running behind schedule.

Commuters faced challenges navigating the city as poor visibility slowed vehicular movement and increased travel risks.

Health experts have advised residents to minimise outdoor exposure due to the severe pollution levels.

Authorities continue to monitor air quality and weather conditions, urging the public to take precautionary measures.

Also Read: Smog Engulfs Delhi As Air Quality Slips Into Very Poor Category