Dense fog engulfs Delhi-NCR amid severe AQI; airport, aviation ministry issue advisories

The Delhi International Airport on Saturday morning issued advisory asking passengers to contact their respective airlines

Toxic smog enveloped several parts of Delhi-NCR early on Saturday morning, with visuals showing reduced visibility as air quality continues to deteriorate.

All measures under GRAP Stage-IV have been implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in response to the worsening air quality.

According to data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) stood in the ‘severe’ category in several areas on Saturday morning, like RK Puram (403), Anand Vihar (423), ITO (429).

According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.

Delhi airport issues advisory

The Delhi International Airport on Saturday morning issued advisory asking passengers to contact their respective airlines. “Low visibility procedures are currently in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are functioning normally. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates,” the advisory read.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, meanwhile, issued a passenger facilitation advisory to airlines, directing them to strictly comply with norms in the interest of safety and convenience.

Taking to X, it said that airlines must provide timely and accurate flight information, meals and refreshments during long delays, rebooking or refunds in case of cancellations, and ensure passengers are not denied boarding after timely check-in.

It also asked airless to provide assistance during diversions as well as for persons with disabilities (PwDs), along with timely refunds, baggage facilitation and effective grievance redressal.

In view of prevailing fog and low-visibility conditions impacting flight operations, airlines have been directed to strictly comply with passenger facilitation norms, in the interest of passenger safety and convenience. This includes: • Timely and accurate flight information •… pic.twitter.com/twES9Vx947

— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) December 19, 2025

On Friday, dense fog disrupted operations at the Delhi airport, with at least 177 flights getting cancelled and over 500 flights getting delayed.

An official told news agency PTI that a total of 177 flights, including some international services, were cancelled. The figure includes departures and arrivals.

Nearly 500 flights were delayed at the airport on Friday, as per data from flight tracking website Flightradar24.com.