Delhi air quality remains 'very poor' — Over 50 flights affected, 18 trains delayed

Dense fog caused disruptions to air and rail traffic in the national capital, Delhi, affecting over 50 flights and 18 trains.

The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport experienced disruptions in flight operations due to low visibility, leading to the cancellation or rescheduling of flights. Trains faced delays of several hours, due to the thick fog affecting visibility.

According to the Indian Railways, 18 trains were reported arriving late in Delhi up to six hours.

Over 50 flights' operations were disrupted, leading to rescheduling of the flights from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.

"IGI airport experienced dense fog with visibility 50 to 100 m during 12:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.," said the India Meteorological Department in a post on X.

However, as per IMD, the visibility improved to 350 metres at Delhi airport around 8:30 a.m.

The IMD had predicted that dense to very dense fog conditions are also likely to continue to prevail over North India during the next four-five days.

The air quality continued to remain in the 'very poor' category at several stations across the city.

In the Anand Vihar area, at 9 a.m., PM2.5 levels were recorded to be in the 'very poor' category standing at 312 and PM10 reached 164 or 'moderate', according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The Air Quality Index (AQI) between zero and 50 is considered 'good'; 51 and 100 'satisfactory'; 101 and 200 'moderate'; 201 and 300 'poor'; 301 and 400 'very poor'; and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The IGI Airport T3 witnessed PM2.5 levels at 148, and PM10 was at 109, both falling under the 'moderate' category.