Delhi Chokes as AQI Hits 456: Flights, Trains Disrupted in Toxic Fog

Transport in the capital is severely hampered by heavy fog and Delhi air pollution, leading to GRAP-IV restrictions, flight cancellations, train delays, and hybrid education.

As the air quality remained in the "severe" category on Monday morning, a thick layer of haze persisted over Delhi and its surrounding areas, impairing visibility and interfering with rail and aviation operations. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) website, the national capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) was 456 at 6 am, which is the second-worst AQI of the season.

Sunday was the second-worst air quality day ever recorded, with a reading of 461. "Good" is defined as an AQI between 0 and 50, "satisfactory" as 51 and 100, "moderate" as 101 and 200, "poor" as 201 and 300, "very poor" as 301 and 400, and "severe" as 401 and 500.

At Akshardham in Delhi, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) was 493, a thick layer of poisonous air was seen. There were also reports of poor visibility in a number of locations, such as the Barapulla overpass, where the AQI was 433, and Barakhamba Road, where it was 474.

As visibility in the nation's capital drastically decreased, the IMD issued an orange signal for severe Delhi smog. According to FlightRadar24, the heavy fog caused significant disruptions at Delhi airport, with over 300 aircraft delayed and about 40 Delhi flights cancelled. Delhi Airport stated that flight operations may be impacted by heavy fog in a notice issued on X, but it also promised that efforts are being made with all relevant parties to minimize passenger disturbance.

Due to significantly decreased visibility in Delhi Smog, IndiGo issued a notice alerting travelers to Delhi flight delays and cancellations. Certain planes may be preemptively canceled as a safety measure to reduce long airport wait times. In addition to acknowledging the inconvenience, the airline stated that workers at all airports are constantly managing operations and providing passengers with updates. Additionally, IndiGo advised passengers to give themselves more time to get to the airport since a poisonous cloud may cause traffic to slow down.

In a similar vein, Air India warned that flight operations in Delhi and certain areas of Northern India are being impacted by poor visibility brought on by thick fog.

Due to poor visibility, more than ninety trains in Delhi experienced delays of six to seven hours. CAQM implemented Stage IV of GRAP, prohibiting construction in Delhi-NCR, as Delhi air pollution increased. The Delhi government changed schools (up to Class 11, except Class 10) to hybrid courses and mandated 50% work from home.