Delhi Struggles With ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality; Dense Fog Disrupts Flights

Delhi continued to grapple with severe air pollution on Friday, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping further and dense fog adding to commuter difficulties.

At 6 AM, the national capital recorded an overall AQI of 387, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, and signalling no relief from the ongoing pollution crisis.

The AQI had worsened from Thursday morning’s 356, highlighting a steady deterioration in air quality across the city.

Visuals from areas such as ITO showed a thick blanket of smog obscuring roads and buildings, significantly reducing visibility and posing health risks for residents.

Dense fog has also affected air travel, forcing Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport to implement CAT III operations, a low-visibility protocol that often leads to flight delays and rescheduling.

In a passenger advisory shared on X, Delhi Airport stated, “Update issued at 09:27 hours. Kind attention to all flyers!”

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) confirmed that on-ground teams were coordinating with airlines and other stakeholders to assist travellers, while urging passengers to verify their flight status before arriving at the airport.

Pollution Hotspots and Health Measures

Several localities recorded alarmingly high AQI readings, nearing the ‘severe’ category.

RK Puram topped the list with 447, followed by Anand Vihar, Vivek Vihar, and Sirifort (442). Other affected areas included Dwarka Sector-8 (429), Nehru Nagar (425), NSIT Dwarka (423), Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range (423), and Okhla Phase-2 (422).

In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated all measures under GRAP Stage-IV, enforcing stricter curbs on construction, industrial activity, and vehicular movement to prevent further deterioration.

Authorities have advised residents to limit outdoor exposure and follow health guidelines amid the ongoing crisis.

Delhi’s worsening pollution, coupled with dense fog, underscores the urgent need for sustained mitigation efforts, as both public health and transport systems face mounting challenges.

Also Read: Delhi-NCR Shrouded In Thick Smog As Air Quality Plummets To ‘Severe’