Delhi Choked by Dense Smog: PM Modi’s Departure Delayed as AQI Surpasses 500

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled departure for an abroad three-nation tour of Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman was delayed on Monday as dense fog and poisonous smog severely lowered visibility, disrupting flight operations throughout Delhi whereas the capital continued to file one in every of its worst air high quality ranges of the season.

Information from the Central Air pollution Management Board confirmed the Air High quality Index in Delhi at 456 at 6 am, marking the season’s second-worst studying.

4 air high quality monitoring stations in Delhi recorded the utmost measurable air pollution degree of 500 on Sunday, underscoring the severity of the smog disaster as practically your entire metropolis remained within the ‘extreme’ to ‘severe-plus’ vary. Information from the Central Air pollution Management Board confirmed that Wazirpur, Rohini and Ashok Vihar touched the AQI ceiling, whereas 38 of the capital’s 39 energetic stations reported dangerously excessive air pollution ranges, with precise publicity possible exceeding official readings as AQI measurements are capped at 500.

Visuals from a number of elements of the town confirmed a dense cowl of poisonous air. At Akshardham, the AQI was recorded at 493. Poor visibility was additionally reported on the Barapulla flyover, the place the AQI stood at 433, and at Barakhamba Street, the place it reached 474.

The lowered visibility had a direct affect on aviation, with flight monitoring web site FlightRadar24 exhibiting 110 departures and 37 arrivals delayed at Delhi Airport.

#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals round Ghazipur space this morning as a layer of poisonous smog blankets the town; GRAP 4 invoked within the nationwide capital.

AQI (Air High quality Index) across the space is 493, categorised as ‘Extreme’, as claimed by CPCB (Central Air pollution Management Board). pic.twitter.com/FSFnKnDDgb

— ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2025

Airways concern advisories amid delays

Delhi Airport issued an advisory for passengers, stating, “On account of dense fog, flight operations might expertise disruptions. We’re working intently with all stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to passengers. For the newest flight updates, passengers are suggested to contact their respective airways. We sincerely remorse any inconvenience induced.”

IndiGo additionally cautioned travellers about doable delays. “Low visibility and fog over #Delhi will affect flight schedules. We’re protecting an in depth watch on the climate and doing our greatest to get you the place you have to be, safely and easily. We request you to remain up to date in your flight standing by way of our web site or app. Be assured, our groups are right here to help you at each step and guarantee help,” the airline mentioned.

In one other publish, IndiGo urged passengers to consider further journey time to succeed in the airport because of slower street visitors brought on by the haze. “Our groups are intently monitoring the state of affairs and can hold you up to date. As circumstances enhance, we are going to proceed departures with security on the forefront,” it added.

Air India, in its advisory, mentioned, “Poor visibility because of dense fog is impacting flight operations in Delhi and elements of Northern India.”

#TravelAdvisory

Poor visibility because of dense fog is impacting flight operations in Delhi and elements of Northern India. Please verify your flight standing at: https://t.co/6ajUZVeeIM earlier than heading to the airport.

— Air India (@airindia) December 15, 2025