Dense Fog Blankets Delhi-NCR, AQI Slips to Severe as Travel Disruptions Mount

Dense Fog Blankets Delhi-NCR as AQI Turns Severe, Flight and Train Operations Disrupted, Alerts Issued

Delhi woke up to another harsh winter morning as dense fog blanketed Delhi-NCR, severely reducing visibility and pushing air pollution levels into the ‘severe’ category once again. The toxic mix of fog and smog created dangerous travel conditions, disrupted transport services, and heightened health concerns across the national capital and surrounding regions.

Late Sunday night, visibility began to drop sharply and remained poor through the early hours of Monday. Several areas across Delhi and neighbouring cities were engulfed in thick haze, slowing traffic and forcing commuters to move cautiously. Headlights struggled to cut through the polluted air as vehicles crawled along major roads and flyovers.

AQI Slips Into the ‘Severe’ Category

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated significantly, with the city’s overall AQI recorded at 403, placing it firmly in the ‘severe’ category. Pollution levels crossed 400 at as many as 25 monitoring stations, underlining the widespread nature of the problem.

Some of the worst-affected areas included Vivek Vihar with an AQI of 460, followed closely by Anand Vihar at 459, Rohini at 445, and Wazirpur at 444. Such levels are considered extremely hazardous and pose serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.

The combination of cold temperatures, low wind speed, and trapped pollutants has repeatedly pushed Delhi’s air quality into dangerous territory this winter.

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Visibility Drops, Travel Turns Risky

As dense fog blanketed Delhi-NCR, visibility dropped to dangerously low levels across several stretches, including key roads in Delhi and parts of Noida. In some locations, drivers could barely see a few metres ahead, increasing the risk of accidents.

Commuters reported slow-moving traffic and longer travel times, while authorities urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during early morning hours. Reduced visibility remained a concern well into the morning, affecting both road and air transport.

Train Services Hit by Dense Fog

Rail services across northern India were badly affected due to the fog. Several long-distance and premium trains, including the Rajdhani Express, Vande Bharat, and Jan Shatabdi, were delayed by hours.

Passengers expressed frustration as waiting times stretched unexpectedly. One traveller said his train to Kanpur was running nearly eight hours late due to the dense fog. Railway officials cautioned that delays were likely to continue until visibility conditions improved.

Flight Operations Disrupted at Delhi Airport

Air travel faced major disruptions as low visibility conditions affected flight operations at Delhi airport. Authorities confirmed that flights were operating only under CAT III conditions, which allow aircraft to take off and land in extremely poor visibility.

During the early morning hours, runway visibility dropped to between 100 and 150 metres, forcing airlines to slow operations. Officials warned passengers to expect delays and possible cancellations, even as ground staff were deployed to assist travellers across terminals.

Airlines issued advisories urging passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport. Some flights were diverted due to congestion at alternate airports already handling rerouted aircraft because of fog.

Airlines Issue Advisories Amid Uncertainty

Several airlines cautioned passengers about disruptions caused by fog and poor weather conditions. Travellers were informed that fluctuating visibility could lead to changes in schedules, slower departures, and delayed arrivals.

Passengers were advised to stay updated through official airline channels and make use of rebooking or refund options where available. Airport authorities reiterated that safety remained the top priority during operations under such challenging conditions.

Health Concerns Rise as Pollution Persists

With the AQI remaining in the severe range, doctors and environmental experts warned residents to take precautions. Prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels can worsen respiratory illnesses, trigger asthma, and increase cardiovascular risks.

Read more: Delhi As Air Quality Slips Back to ‘Very Poor’, AQI at 355

People were advised to limit outdoor activity, wear protective masks, and use air purifiers indoors where possible. Schools and offices were urged to monitor conditions closely, especially for vulnerable groups.

A Recurring Winter Crisis

The episode once again highlights Delhi’s recurring winter pollution crisis, where fog, smog, and emissions combine to create hazardous conditions. As dense fog blankets Delhi-NCR and AQI levels soar, the situation underscores the urgent need for long-term solutions to combat air pollution and improve urban air quality.

Until weather conditions improve, residents are bracing for continued disruptions and unhealthy air — a familiar but troubling reality each winter.

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