New Delhi — The capital of India is going through a serious air pollution situation as a thick blanket of smog is continuing to cover the entire city, thereby affecting visibility to a large extent, resulting in health advisories being given to air travelers.

The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, which is considered to be one of the most busiest airports in the country, has confirmed that flights are operating, although low visibility procedures are still in effect, given the bad weather conditions. In a communication put out on the social media site X, the airport management has said that all flight operations are taking place as normal with “Low Visibility Procedures” in effect, although they are advising people to check with their respective airlines for the latest flights.

The advisory reflects the challenges that exist on account of the current smog and fog conditions that have significantly impacted visibility in different sectors of the concerned city.

The Severity of Smog Episodes and Trends in Air Quality

Data from environment pollution observation revealed that there has been a decline in air quality in New Delhi. This is evidenced by the AQI, which has been recorded at critical stages deep within the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories, as identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). It has been reported that certain areas have been recorded with an AQI of over 400, which is a serious threat to the health of the people.

In particular, regions such as Anand Vihar, Ghazipur, etc. have been reported to have some of the highest levels of air pollutant concentration, with values exceeding 430. Other regions, such as Jahangirpuri, Rohini, Chandni Chowk, and R.K. Puram, have also been reported to have AQI values far exceeding the 400-mark. This indicates that the capital’s air quality is a part of the top category when it comes to air pollution, which has a serious impact on air pollution-related problems, whether acute or chronic.

Experts believe that the reason for the large drop in air quality is a result of a mixture of stagnant air conditions, low wind speeds, and high moisture. The weak wind systems have been hindering the dispersion of air pollution, which has led to the accumulation of particulate matter and smog at the bottom layer.

Effects on Air Travel Operations

Although it has been reported that air services at IGI Airport are functioning as per schedule, the low visibility has forced the use of specialized landing procedures that are necessary for air safety. The use of such procedures is normal when weather standards, in terms of visibility, are not met.

The airlines have been instructed to keep close contact with the passengers regarding any probable delays or changes. Passengers intending to depart from, as well as arrive at, the Delhi airport have been specifically advised to check with their respective airline regarding the departure/arrival status of the flight before leaving for the airport to avoid inconveniences that may result from weather conditions.

Industry reports also indicate that airplanes that do not have highly developed category landing systems may be more adversely affected in regard to their operation when high smog conditions exist, although no reports have been released from official circles concerning such effects in the current situation.

Weather Conditions & Forecasts

The India Meteorological Department has stated that moderate fog is expected to continue for the next few days. This is most likely to continue with the existing conditions of reduced visibility and air quality in the region, not only with respect to air travel but also with regard to daily activity within the urban and peri-urban areas of the city.

The moderate fog conditions, especially with high moisture, have been making it difficult to see clearly in the morning and evening hours on large routes. Such conditions are characteristic of the season in the Northern India regions, which remain cyclic, with short-run variations impacted by weather systems such as western disturbances and cold air masses.

Public Health Advisory and Safety Measures

The relevant government agency has been emphasizing that people should be careful during this air quality condition. The dangerous AQI level increases the risks of people suffering from breathing difficulties, especially in vulnerable individuals such as senior adults and kids.

It has been reiterated by medical experts and environment health specialists that people need to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, wear masks when need be, and use air purification systems indoors when need be. Additional advice includes that people need to keep a watch on the development of symptoms in relation to prolonged exposure to polluted air, and consult doctors in case of breathing problems, irritation, etc.

Urban planners and environment officials are closely following developments in the situation, collaborating with meteorological departments to track changes in atmospheric conditions and the level of pollution. Atmospheric sensor data is helping to alert people as well as prepare plans for a potential alert concerning the pollution episode in the form of smog.

Contextualization of Delhi’s Air Pollution Challenges

The problem of persistent smog is a common phenomenon that occurs in the national capital territory, most especially during the winter season when the weather conditions are ripe for high emissions that result in air quality crises. Factors considered most significant in creating such a problem include vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, biomass burning, and weather conditions. The continued decrease in visibility values, together with high AQI values, continue to emphasize the need for improved air quality management in Delhi. In relation to the latest air pollution episode experienced by Delhi, collaboration between airport, health, and other environment-related authorities is a critical factor in managing the effects, as Delhi continues to address this problem.