Delhi Smothered by Fog and Toxic Air: Flights Disrupted as Orange Alert Issued

New Delhi: Delhi woke up to thick fog and a blanket of smog on Saturday. The city's air quality remains dangerously poor, with the Air Quality Index in the "very poor" to "severe" range in many areas.

Dense fog mixed with toxic air has cut visibility, made breathing difficult for many residents and thrown flight schedules into chaos. With pollution levels climbing and calm winter winds trapping pollutants, authorities have issued an orange alert, warning that conditions may stay grim through the weekend.

What are authorities saying?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for dense fog on Saturday. Airports are operating under special low-visibility procedures, and public agencies continue to monitor the situation. Travelers have been advised to allow extra time for journeys and to stay updated with airline communications.

Ministry of Civil Aviation said, "Due to prevailing fog conditions in parts of Northern India, airport operations have been impacted. Passengers are advised to proactively check flight status, remain in touch with their airlines and plan travel accordingly. Passenger facilitation teams are available at airports to assist travellers."

How is this affecting flights?

The fog and poor visibility have hit flight operations hard. Airport officials reported more than 700 flights delayed and at least 177 flights cancelled as aircraft struggled to take off and land in low-visibility conditions.

Several airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, have issued travel advisories. They are urging passengers to check updated flight statuses before heading to the airport, as schedules could change with little notice.

Are other airports feeling the impact?

The dense fog over Delhi has had a ripple effect across the country. For example, Chennai Airport cancelled at least seven flights connected with Delhi due to the ongoing low visibility and operational constraints.

How bad is the air quality?

Across Delhi and NCR, AQI readings hovered in the "very poor" category early in the morning, with pockets of "severe" pollution as well. The thick haze has shrouded roads, homes, and public spaces, raising health warnings for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and people with lung conditions.

The deteriorating air marked the ninth consecutive day of very poor or severe pollution despite an aggressive vehicular enforcement drive launched that resulted in thousands of challans.