Delhi Airport Shrouded in Dense Smog, IndiGo Issues Passenger Advisory

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Dense fog and severe air pollution have caused widespread disruptions in New Delhi, impacting flight schedules and traffic movement, as authorities implement emergency measures to address the worsening situation.

On Sunday night, IndiGo issued a travel advisory, alerting passengers to potential delays due to low visibility caused by fog. The airline advised travellers to allow extra time for their journey and to check flight statuses before heading to the airport. "Fog is currently affecting visibility in Delhi, which may result in slow-moving traffic and delays in flight schedules," the airline posted on X at 11:44 pm, emphasising the importance of staying updated on flight information.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) confirmed that the airport was operating under low visibility procedures, but flight operations remained normal as of 10:14 pm on Sunday. DIAL, which oversees Indira Gandhi International Airport, recommended that passengers contact their airlines for the latest flight updates. With around 1,400 flights handled daily, any delays could have a ripple effect across the airline network.

The foggy conditions were further worsened by high pollution levels, making the already poor air quality in Delhi even more hazardous. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) triggered Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to the deteriorating air quality, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing the 450 mark, categorising it as a "severe plus."

Stage IV measures, the most stringent level under the plan, include an 8-point action plan aimed at reducing pollution. This includes a ban on non-essential trucks entering Delhi, except those carrying essential goods or providing critical services.

For residents, the combination of dense fog and high pollution has made commuting hazardous, with reduced visibility contributing to slow traffic on major routes. Public health advisories are urging people, especially those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities.