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Delhi Smog Crisis: Flights Disrupted as AQI Stays 'Poor' Amid Dense Fog

A thick layer of smog continues to envelop Delhi, with the city's overall Air Quality Index recorded at 288, placing it in the 'poor' category. Several monitoring stations, including Anand Vihar and RK Puram, reported even higher pollution levels. Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport are proceeding under CAT III conditions due to low visibility, though passengers face potential delays and disruptions. While the GRAP sub-committee has revoked Stage-III restrictions following some improvement, authorities urge continued adherence to earlier stages of the action plan.

Key Points: Delhi AQI 'Poor', IGI Flights Under CAT III Amid Smog

  • Overall AQI at 288 in 'poor' category
  • Anand Vihar records highest AQI of 343
  • IGI Airport operating under low-visibility CAT III rules
  • IndiGo warns of fog-related schedule impacts across North India
  • GRAP Stage-III revoked after recent air quality improvement
3 min read

Delhi AQI remains 'poor' as dense smog reduces visibility; IGI flights under CAT III

Delhi's air quality remains 'poor' with dense smog reducing visibility, forcing IGI Airport to operate under CAT III conditions, causing potential flight delays.

"Flight operations continue to be in CAT III... though some flights may experience delays or disruptions. - Delhi Airport Authorities"

New Delhi, January 6

A thick layer of smog continued to blanket the National Capital on Tuesday, with air quality remaining in the 'poor' category across several parts of the city, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

According to CPCB readings, Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 288, placing it in the 'poor' category.

Several hotspots recorded even higher pollution levels, with Anand Vihar at 343, RK Puram at 324, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 313, Dwarka at 307, Ashok Vihar at 302 and ITO at 286.

The AQI in ITO was recorded at 281, classified as poor by the CPCB. Some areas reported relatively better air quality in the moderate category, with Bawana at 194 and IGI Airport at 185.

Some areas, however, reported comparatively better air quality in the 'moderate' category. Bawana recorded an AQI of 194, while IGI Airport recorded 185, according to CPCB data.

Meanwhile, flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport continued under CAT III conditions, airport authorities stated in a post on X, though passengers may experience delays or disruptions.

CAT III is a category of Instrument Landing System (ILS) that offers lower minimums for visibility and decision height. CAT III allows for almost zero visibility landings in some cases. Advanced equipment and pilot training are required for CAT III approaches.

"Flight operations continue to be in CAT III. Both arrivals and departures are taking place, though some flights may experience delays or disruptions. Passengers are requested to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information," DAA said.

Similarly, IndiGo, in a post on X, said fog and low visibility over cities including Delhi, Amritsar, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Varanasi, Ranchi, and Hindon Airport may impact flight schedules.

"Low visibility and fog over Delhi, Amritsar, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Guwahati, #Varanasi, Ranchi and Hindon (Airport) may impact flight schedules. We are closely monitoring the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly. We request that you stay updated on your flight status via our website or app. Please be assured that our teams are here to assist you at every step and provide full support. We look forward to clearer skies and a swift return to our regular schedule. Thank you for your patience and understanding," IndiGo wrote on X.

The Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) revoked Stage-III of GRAP on Friday evening, following a significant improvement in air quality due to favourable meteorological conditions.

The government has urged people to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under Stages II and I of the extant schedule of GRAP so that the AQI level does not slip further.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Just landed at IGI from Mumbai. The difference is shocking. Kudos to the pilots and ATC for managing CAT III operations so smoothly, but the haze is really bad. Stay safe, Delhiites.
A
Aman W
Anand Vihar at 343! I live nearby and my eyes are burning. We need stricter enforcement on waste burning and construction dust. It's a health emergency every year.
S
Sarah B
Visiting from Canada and this is heartbreaking to see. The technology for CAT III landings is impressive, but it's a symptom of a much larger problem. Hope the authorities find a sustainable way forward.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the article reports the data, it misses the common citizen's frustration. Revoking GRAP Stage-III seems premature when AQI is still 'poor'. Are we waiting for it to hit 'severe' again to act?
K
Kavya N
My flight from Varanasi was delayed by 3 hours. It's inconvenient, but safety comes first. Thanks to IndiGo for the clear communication. Everyone should check their app before heading to the airport.

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