Delhi remained under a red alert as dense fog combined with hazardous air pollution continued to paralyse normal life across the national capital. Visibility dropped sharply during the early morning hours, while air quality levels deteriorated once again to the “severe” category, raising serious health and safety concerns for residents.
The extreme weather conditions caused widespread disruption at Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country. Due to poor visibility, at least 128 flights were cancelled, eight flights were diverted to nearby airports, and nearly 200 flights were delayed, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or facing long waiting times. Airlines issued repeated advisories, urging travellers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
The dense fog reduced visibility to near-zero levels at several points, forcing air traffic controllers to temporarily suspend operations or slow down aircraft movement. Airport authorities said the situation remained fluid and dependent on weather improvements throughout the day.
On the ground, road traffic was severely affected, with long traffic jams reported on major highways, flyovers, and arterial roads. Motorists were advised to use fog lights, avoid unnecessary travel, and maintain safe distances as visibility fluctuated throughout the morning. Public transport services also faced delays, adding to commuter woes during peak hours.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) worsened across multiple monitoring stations, crossing severe levels due to a combination of calm winds, high humidity, and cold temperatures. These conditions trapped pollutants close to the surface, intensifying smog formation. Health experts warned that prolonged exposure to such air could aggravate respiratory illnesses, heart conditions, and eye irritation, particularly among children, senior citizens, and people with existing medical issues.
Hospitals in the city reported a rise in patients complaining of breathing difficulties, coughing, and throat irritation. Doctors advised residents to remain indoors as much as possible, use protective masks if stepping outside, and avoid physical exertion in open areas.
Railway operations were also impacted, with several long-distance trains running behind schedule due to reduced visibility along key routes in northern India. Authorities deployed additional safety measures to ensure smooth operations amid the challenging conditions.
The weather department has forecast continued dense to very dense fog over the coming days, warning that air quality is unlikely to improve immediately. Officials said emergency pollution control measures remain in force and further restrictions could be considered if conditions worsen.
As Delhi continues to grapple with a combination of winter fog and toxic air, authorities have urged residents to stay informed, follow safety advisories, and take necessary precautions to protect their health until weather conditions improve.
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