NEW DELHI: Delhi Airport has issued an advisory to passengers amid worsening air quality and low visibility caused by dense fog and pollution. The airport urged travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, even though flight operations remain normal for now.
The air quality in Delhi deteriorated further on Tuesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a hazardous level of 421. Areas like Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, and Alipur recorded AQI levels ranging between 400 and 470, indicating severe pollution conditions.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorized Delhi's air quality as "Very Poor." In addition, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the city’s minimum temperature had dropped to 5 degrees Celsius, further worsening atmospheric conditions.
In response to the alarming pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reimposed Stage-IV measures from the updated Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These measures, classified as ‘Severe+’, are being implemented across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) to control the escalating pollution crisis.
The Pollution Control Board explained in a statement that unfavorable weather patterns, including calm winds and dense fog, have intensified pollution levels in the region. The body convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation and immediately announced the reactivation of Stage-IV measures to curb further deterioration.
The advisory comes as Delhi continues to grapple with its annual pollution crisis, where toxic air and cold weather create hazardous conditions for residents and travelers alike. Passengers have een advised to plan their journeys carefully and stay updated on flight schedules during this period of severe pollution and low visibility.
Earlier on November 14, the national capital continued to grapple with severe air pollution, which remained a major concern for residents and travelers alike. In response to the deteriorating visibility caused by the smog, Delhi Airport issued an advisory for passengers, reassuring them that all flight operations were proceeding normally despite the challenging conditions. However, the advisory also highlighted that "Low Visibility Procedures" were being implemented to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of air travel during the ongoing haze. Passengers were advised to stay updated on their flight schedules and allow extra travel time to accommodate any unforeseen delays due to the prevailing air quality situation.