Delhi Faces Dense Fog and Hazardous Air Quality: A Tough Day for Residents and Air Travelers

Delhi experienced its first dense fog of the season on Wednesday, significantly reducing visibility across the city, especially at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The fog started forming around 5:30 am, causing thick haze over different areas of the capital. At IGI Airport, visibility dropped to nearly zero in some parts, with Runway Visual Range (RVR) varying between 125 to 500 meters. This made it difficult for flights to operate safely, and at least ten flights were diverted or delayed.

Airport authorities put in place ‘low visibility procedures’ to manage the situation, cautioning that flights not equipped with Category III (CAT III) landing systems, which are designed for low-visibility conditions, could face disruptions. The airport continued operations, but travelers were warned to expect delays or diversions due to the thick fog.

Worsening Air Quality in Delhi

As the day progressed, the air quality in Delhi continued to worsen. At 9 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 366, a level categorized as ‘Very Poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marked the 15th consecutive day of Delhi’s air quality being in the "very poor" range.

Two monitoring stations in the city, Anand Vihar and Aya Nagar, reported air quality in the "severe" category, indicating hazardous pollution levels. The situation was particularly concerning for residents, with many facing health issues such as eye irritation, coughing, breathlessness, and running noses due to the poor air quality.

Impact on Airport Operations

The dense fog and poor air quality had a direct impact on airport operations. Due to low visibility, airport authorities activated ‘low visibility procedures,’ which are special measures to ensure safe landing in difficult weather conditions. However, flights that did not meet the required standards for low-visibility landings (CAT III) were more likely to be delayed or diverted. The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) issued advisories to passengers, warning them of potential disruptions and encouraging travelers to check with airlines for updates.

Seasonal Pollution Challenges in Delhi

Delhi faces severe air pollution every winter due to a combination of factors, including cold weather, trapped dust, vehicle emissions, and smoke from stubble burning in nearby states. The drop in temperature, which reached 17°C on Wednesday morning, compounded the pollution problem, as cooler air trapped more pollutants close to the ground, reducing air quality further.

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The fog and pollution also affected sunlight, which remained blocked for much of the day, worsening the situation. Experts warn that this is a seasonal challenge, and air quality in Delhi typically remains poor during the winter months due to the combination of weather conditions and high pollution levels.