Delhi air chaos: 600 flights delayed, 21 cancelled amid poor visibility

Over 600 flights, including arrivals and departures, were delayed, and 21 flights were cancelled at Delhi International Airport on Monday, due to dense smog, data from real-time flight tracker FlightsRadar24 revealed.

Departures faced the most significant disruptions at Delhi airport, with 84% delayed and an average delay time of 42 minutes. However, data indicates a decreasing trend in delays.

On arrivals, Delhi airport ranked first globally for delays, with 183 flights, making up for 24% of the total flights, experiencing delays. On an average, flights were delayed by 17 minutes.

Flights were reportedly diverted due to some pilots lacking CAT III training. CAT III operations enabled take-offs and landings in extremely low visibility.

Further, six flights scheduled for tomorrow have already been cancelled.

The national capital presently is grappling with hazardous air quality, as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 484 on Monday. Experts equate breathing this air to smoking 21 cigarettes daily, posing severe health risks.

GMR Group-led Delhi International Airport (DIAL) announced in the morning on X that flight operations may be disrupted due to fog, with low visibility procedures already in place.

Airlines including Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo used social media to alert passengers about delays and diversions and advised them to check flight statuses before heading for their respective flights.

“Poor visibility in Delhi and some parts of Northern India are affecting flight operations to and from Delhi today. Guests are advised to start early for the airport, as slow traffic may delay your movement. You are requested to check your flight status before heading,” Air India posted on X.

IndiGo, addressing the situation as early as Sunday night, stated, “Fog is currently affecting visibility in Delhi, which may result in slow-moving traffic and delays in flight schedules. We recommend allowing extra travel time and checking flight status before starting your journey.” The airline also released a "smart travellers’ notebook" to help passengers navigate challenges during winter disruptions today.

The worsening air pollution stems from multiple factors, including stubble burning, firecracker emissions, and seasonal conditions. The seasonal blanket of smog and fog, exacerbated by cold air trapping pollutants, has led to dense fog and severely reduced visibility.

In response, Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was implemented from November 14, which includes an 8-point action plan banning non-essential truck traffic and curtailing construction activities. Schools have shifted to online classes. The Supreme Court today criticised the Commission for Air Quality Management for delays in enforcing stricter measures, emphasising the need for sustained preventive actions. Delhi CM Atishi called the situation a "medical emergency,” urging swift action to control the pollution.