Delhi Chokes as AQI Nears Severe Levels, Dense Fog Hits Flight Operations

New Delhi: According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), air quality in the national capital was recorded in the “very poor” category on Sunday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 386. Data from the CPCB’s Sameer app showed that air quality at 16 monitoring stations in the city was reported in the “severe” category, while the remaining stations recorded “very poor” levels.

As per CPCB standards, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51–100 satisfactory, 101–200 moderate, 201–300 poor, 301–400 very poor, and 401–500 severe. At 8:30 am, the minimum temperature was recorded at 9.4 degrees Celsius, which is 1.3 degrees above the seasonal average. IMD reported humidity levels at 91 per cent. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 17 degrees Celsius, and the IMD has issued a yellow alert for the city due to moderate fog.

Airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport authorities warned that dense fog could reduce visibility and disrupt flight operations across parts of north India. IndiGo on Saturday cautioned passengers that flight delays and schedule changes were likely as foggy conditions were expected in Delhi and several parts of northern India. Due to low visibility, 66 flights were cancelled from Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday.