Dense Fog and Calm Winds Push Delhi AQI Near ‘Severe’ Levels, Over 150 Flights Delayed

Delhi woke up to “very poor” air quality early Sunday morning, compounded by dense fog and cold wave-like conditions, disrupting daily life and causing flight delays at the capital’s airport. FlightRadar24 data indicated that more than 150 flights at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were delayed due to low visibility.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

Delhi’s AQI hovered at 391 as of 6:05 am, according to the Sameer app developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Of the 39 active monitoring stations, 20 recorded “severe” air quality, including Anand Vihar (445), Chandni Chowk (415), Jahangirpuri (430), Shadipur (443), and Wazirpur (443). The remaining stations registered “very poor” levels, with one station, NSIT Dwarka, reporting “poor” air quality at 214.

In neighbouring Noida, air quality reached “severe,” with an AQI of 415.

For context, the CPCB classifies AQI as follows:

• 51–100: Satisfactory

• 101–200: Moderate

• 201–300: Poor

• 301–400: Very Poor

• Above 400: Severe

Recent Trends

On Saturday, Delhi’s air quality had already deteriorated. By 4 pm, the AQI was 385 (“very poor”), rising to 390 at 6 pm and 391 by 10 pm.

Weather and Pollution Factors

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Sunday morning, warning of dense fog and cold wave-like conditions. Experts noted that low wind speeds are contributing to the pollution spike.

Mahesh Palawat, vice president at private forecaster Skymet, said:

“The wind speed was very low on Saturday. The average was around 4–5 kmph, rising to 8–9 kmph only briefly in the afternoon before dropping again. Similar conditions will persist till January 1, 2026, due to the influence of a western disturbance.”

Airport Advisory

IGI Airport stated at 9 am that flight operations were running smoothly as visibility improved. Passengers were advised to check with airlines or the airport’s official website for the latest updates.

“Flight operations are running smoothly as visibility at the airport has improved. Our on-ground staff is available across terminals to assist passengers and provide necessary support,” the advisory said.

Outlook

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi (AQEWS), the city is expected to remain in the “very poor” category from Sunday through Tuesday, with similar conditions likely over the following six days.

Currently, there has been no change in restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), with Stages one to three remaining active after Stage four curbs were lifted last Wednesday.