Delhi’s air quality remained hazardous on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 498 in the morning and easing to 427 by evening, keeping the capital in the “severe” pollution category.
Air travel disrupted by low visibility
Thick, toxic haze reduced visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport, prompting the cancellation of at least 228 flights—131 departures and 97 arrivals—and the diversion of five others. IndiGo attributed the disruptions to extended low visibility, while Air India described its operations as “in complete shambles,” citing delayed and ultimately cancelled flights such as AI 2513 to Hyderabad.
Passengers, including Sam Dalrymple who was stranded for 12 hours, reported a lack of staff communication about cancellations. In response, Air India activated its “Fog Care” programme, offering advance notifications, complimentary rescheduling or full refunds for affected travellers.
Pollution levels and health concerns
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) logged “severe” air quality at 27 monitoring stations and “very poor” readings at 12. Among 40 stations, Wazirpur posted the highest AQI of 475, though CPCB did not record values above 500.
Measurements from the Air Quality Early Warning System showed PM2.5 at 154.96 µg/m³ and PM10 at 260.9 µg/m³, far above the national PM2.5 standard of 40 µg/m³. Transport, construction and stubble burning contributed 3.079 %, 1.732 % and 0.218 % respectively to the total pollution load.
Health officials urged residents to limit outdoor exposure. Dr Saurabh Mittal of AIIMS recommended that children stay indoors, people wear N95 masks if they must go out, and that individuals with pre‑existing conditions adhere to medication regimens while seniors receive recommended vaccines.
Tourists also voiced alarm; Sabina Qureshi from Hyderabad noted that the smog obscured the sun and sky, causing breathing difficulties for children.
Forecast and outlook
Dense fog is expected on Tuesday morning, prompting Air India to cancel select scheduled flights. Forecasts project the next six days will remain in the “very poor” category, with weak winds and low temperatures likely to trap pollutants further.
The India Meteorological Department recorded a minimum temperature of 10 °C, a maximum of 23.7 °C, and 76 % relative humidity at 17:30 on Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the AQI level in Delhi on Monday?
The AQI reached 498 in the morning and settled at 427 by evening, placing the city in the “severe” pollution category.
How many flights were cancelled or diverted because of the haze?
At least 228 flights—131 departures and 97 arrivals—were cancelled, and five flights were diverted.
What health advice did medical experts give amid the smog?
Doctors advised limiting outdoor exposure, keeping children indoors, wearing N95 masks if going out is unavoidable, continuing regular medication for medical conditions, and ensuring elderly individuals receive recommended vaccines to reduce the risk of lung infections.
How might the ongoing poor air quality affect daily life in Delhi over the coming week?
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