Thick Smog Blankets Delhi As AQI Drops To ‘Very Poor’ At 381; Air India, IndiGo Issue Advisory

Last Updated:December 16, 2025, 07:10 IST

Alongside pollution concerns, foggy weather has also disrupted air travel in the national capital.

Smog engulfs Kartavya Path as people take a stroll amid low visibility, near the India Gate in New Delhi on December 13, 2025. (Image: PTI)

Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of toxic smog on Tuesday morning, with poor visibility across several areas as air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category despite emergency curbs under GRAP-4 being in force. 

However, after days of choking pollution, residents experienced slight relief as the city’s air quality showed a marginal improvement compared to Monday, easing conditions that had remained in the ‘severe’ range for several days.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Sameer app, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) stood at 381 at around 6.30 am on Tuesday. While this marked an improvement, the air quality still remained in the ‘very poor’ category, which can cause breathing discomfort, especially for children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems.

#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals from the Sarai Kale Khan area as a thick layer of toxic smog blankets the city; GRAP 4 invoked in the national capital. AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 359, categorised as 'very poor', as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control… pic.twitter.com/ADkkDseUj3— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2025

Pollution hotspots across the city

Several parts of the capital continued to record worrying pollution levels. Wazirpur emerged as the most polluted area, with an AQI reading of 434, placing it firmly in the ‘severe’ category. Jahangirpuri followed closely, registering an AQI of 430.

Other areas also reported poor air quality. Monitoring stations in Mundka, Delhi Technical University (DTU) and Nehru Nagar recorded AQI levels of 424, indicating that air pollution remains widespread across the city despite the overall improvement.

Airport issues advisory amid foggy conditions

Alongside pollution concerns, foggy weather has also disrupted air travel in the national capital. Delhi airport issued a passenger advisory on Tuesday morning, stating that flight operations are steadily recovering. However, it warned that disruptions may continue for some arrivals and departures.

Passengers have been advised to check directly with their respective airlines for the latest and most accurate updates regarding their flights. Airport staff are available across terminals to assist travellers and provide necessary support.

Airlines cancel and delay flights

Several airlines have been affected by the weather conditions. Air India cancelled multiple flights scheduled for Tuesday due to poor visibility caused by dense fog. IndiGo also issued an advisory, stating that foggy conditions across northern India have slowed down flight movements.

#TravelAdvisoryDense fog enveloping Delhi and parts of Northern India early this morning caused flight disruptions across airlines, leading to significant air traffic congestion at the Delhi Airport and parking bay constraints, among multiple other challenges. Regrettably,…— Air India (@airindia) December 15, 2025

Travellers have been urged to allow extra time for their journeys and remain patient as airlines and airport authorities work to manage the situation.

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