New Delhi: Delhi remained engulfed in dense smog and fog on Sunday morning, with air quality continuing in the “severe” category and low visibility disrupting flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, prompting advisories from weather and aviation authorities.
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed sharply on Saturday night, touching 410 by 11 pm, firmly breaching the severe threshold. By early Sunday morning, the AQI showed marginal improvement but continued to hover close to hazardous levels at 396. Forecasts warned that air quality was likely to remain in the “severe” category through December 22, before easing slightly to “very poor” conditions on December 23.
Data from pollution monitoring stations across the capital showed extremely poor readings in several areas during the early morning hours, underlining the persistence of toxic air across the National Capital Region.
Alongside pollution, dense fog further complicated travel conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued alerts warning of dense to very dense fog during overnight and early morning hours across large parts of northern and central India, including Delhi and adjoining states. Reduced visibility, the IMD cautioned, could impact road and air travel, urging people to follow local advisories and exercise caution.
Visibility at Delhi’s airport dropped significantly during the night and early morning due to fog. At around 2:30 am on Sunday, general visibility was recorded at approximately 600 metres, affecting late-night and early-morning flight movements. Flight operations at the airport have faced repeated disruptions in recent days due to weather conditions. As of Saturday, 66 arriving and 63 departing flights had been cancelled, while delays continued into Sunday.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued an advisory on Sunday warning that fog conditions across parts of northern India were affecting visibility and could lead to delays or changes in flight schedules at select airports. Passengers were advised to check flight updates with airlines through official channels and allow extra time for airport travel and formalities.
Airlines also issued cautionary advisories. IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, informed passengers that early-morning fog over Delhi and other northern regions could affect flight schedules and urged travellers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. The airline reiterated that safety remained its top priority and that operations would be adjusted in line with prevailing conditions.
Air India similarly advised passengers to stay updated on flight schedules through its official website, noting that dense fog was impacting operations in Delhi and parts of northern India.
Despite disruptions, Delhi airport authorities said flight operations were continuing, while advising passengers to remain in touch with airlines for the latest information. In a passenger advisory issued on Sunday morning, the airport said operations were ongoing but travellers should consult airlines for updated schedules. A total of 129 flights to and from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have reportely been cancelled on Saturday, while several flights delayed.
The fog and smog also affected other modes of transport. Rail services across northern India faced delays, with several trains running behind schedule due to reduced visibility during early morning hours.
Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor exposure, follow health advisories, and plan travel carefully as pollution and weather conditions remain challenging across the region.
