Delhi chokes under toxic smog as skies vanish
Airlines warn passengers as dense Delhi fog disrupts schedules, urging patience amid pollution-hit skies and delayed departures today
Delhi woke up on Friday to yet another grim reminder of its worsening air crisis, as dense fog blanketed the national capital and air quality slipped deeper into dangerous territory. With no relief in sight, residents began their day navigating choking smog, poor visibility and growing anxiety over health and travel disruptions.
By early morning, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 387, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. However, several key locations crossed the far more alarming 400 mark, entering the ‘severe’ zone — a level at which even healthy people may experience serious respiratory discomfort, and those with existing conditions face heightened risks.
Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 437, followed closely by RK Puram at 436 and Siri Fort at 432. Dwarka Sector 8 and the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range also reported severe readings of 420 and 418, respectively. These numbers reflect not just polluted air, but a persistent public health emergency that has become an almost routine winter ordeal for the city.
Adding to the crisis, dense fog sharply reduced visibility across Delhi, creating hazardous conditions on roads and at transport hubs. Early morning visuals showed vehicles inching forward with headlights on, struggling to cut through the thick grey haze. Pedestrians wrapped in winter clothing could be seen covering their faces, while traffic moved slowly, compounding the daily commute into an exhausting experience.
The situation was no better at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, where near-zero visibility disrupted flight operations. Passengers arriving at terminals were greeted by a wall of fog, with delays and rescheduling becoming inevitable as safety protocols took precedence.
In response, major airlines including Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet issued travel advisories, urging passengers to stay alert and plan ahead. IndiGo, citing warnings from the weather department, advised travelers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and to allow extra time for road travel, as low visibility could slow traffic significantly.
IndiGo said in a post on social media. The advisory comes in the wake of widespread flight cancellations earlier this month, which left thousands of passengers stranded and frustrated.
Air India, meanwhile, reminded passengers of its ‘FogCare’ initiative, a system designed to provide advance alerts directly to registered phone numbers. The airline also offered flexibility, allowing travelers to change flights without additional charges, a move aimed at easing passenger stress during unpredictable weather conditions.
Delhi Airport authorities later confirmed that some flight operations were impacted due to fog, assuring passengers that teams were working on the ground to minimise inconvenience and provide assistance where possible. Despite these measures, long waiting times and uncertainty remained a reality for many fliers.
Beyond the immediate disruptions, the deteriorating air quality continues to raise deeper concerns about long-term health and quality of life in the capital. Doctors have repeatedly warned that prolonged exposure to ‘severe’ AQI levels can lead to respiratory infections, aggravated asthma, reduced lung function and cardiovascular complications. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing illnesses are particularly vulnerable.
Residents, meanwhile, expressed frustration and helplessness. We just adjust and move on,” said a commuter in East Delhi. For many, the cycle of pollution, fog and government advisories has become an accepted, if deeply troubling, part of life.
Environmental experts point to a combination of factors behind the worsening conditions: vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust and seasonal stubble burning in neighbouring states, all trapped by unfavourable weather patterns. Low wind speed and high humidity during winter months prevent pollutants from dispersing, allowing toxic air to linger over the city.
While authorities have implemented measures such as restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), critics argue that these steps remain reactive rather than preventive. Calls for long-term solutions — cleaner transport, stricter industrial controls and coordinated regional action — continue to grow louder with each passing smog-filled morning.
As Delhi braces for more foggy days ahead, residents are once again urged to limit outdoor exposure, use masks if necessary, and stay informed about air quality and travel updates. For now, the capital remains caught in a pollution chokehold, waiting for clearer skies that seem increasingly elusive.