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Heavy smog and low visibility have caused major delays for over 300 flights at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). The thick smog has made it difficult for pilots to safely land and take off, leading to significant disruptions. The situation has prompted airport authorities to advise passengers to check with their airlines for updated flight information.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi has soared to dangerous levels, with many areas recording an AQI above 400, which is considered hazardous to health. As a result, the dense smog blanketing the city is not only disrupting travel but also raising serious health concerns. This high level of pollution can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions.
Flight operations at IGI Airport have been heavily impacted by the low visibility caused by the smog. According to data from Flightradar24, 257 flights departing from the airport and 139 arriving flights were delayed. The average delay for arriving flights was around 17 minutes, while departures experienced longer delays of over 50 minutes. These disruptions affected hundreds of passengers, many of whom were advised to stay in touch with their airlines to stay informed about flight schedules.
To manage the situation, the airport implemented low-visibility procedures early in the day. These measures are in place to help ensure safety during periods of poor visibility, but they can also lead to slower processing times for flights. The airport's advisory urged travelers to prepare for possible delays and make any necessary adjustments to their plans.
The air quality crisis in Delhi is not new, but the recent increase in pollution levels has intensified the challenges. The Central Pollution Control Board reported an AQI of 428 in the city, a severe level of pollution that can pose serious risks to people's health. This poor air quality was made worse by fog, which further reduced visibility. The weather department also noted that Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 16.1 degrees Celsius, which is above the usual average for this time of year.
Across Delhi, AQI readings above 400 were recorded at 32 of the 39 monitoring stations. Some of the hardest-hit areas include Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, the IGI Airport area, ITO, Mandir Marg, North Campus, Patparganj, Punjabi Bagh, and Pusa. These alarming figures reflect the severe environmental challenges the city is currently facing.
Delhi is dealing with both flight delays and dangerously poor air quality. The severe pollution levels and resulting smog not only disrupt travel but also threaten residents' health. The situation highlights the urgent need for action to address Delhi's pollution crisis.
