Delhi Air Pollution: Smog grounds 400 flights, disrupts trains – 5 points

A cyclist with his face covered in cloth rides along a street on a cold smoggy morning in New Delhi on November 18, 2024. India's capital New Delhi switched schools to online classes on November 18 until further notice because of worsening toxic smog, the latest bid to ease the sprawling megacity's health crisis. (AFP Photo)

Delhi woke up to the season’s worst smog today. With temperature plummeting, toxic smog in and around the National Capital Region engulfed the area impacting the air as well as train travel. The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the Delhi government not to scale down GRAP-4 without its permission. As people grapple with the air emergency, here are top five points on travel woes that you need to know:

Also Read: Delhi AQI News Live: Supreme Court orders GRAP 4 across all NCR states, says curbs to be in force even if AQI drops below 400

1: According to latest reports, nearly 400 flights were delayed due to the smog. Delhi Airport reported extended delays in both arrivals and departures. As per the latest data, 370 flights were delayed at Delhi Airport on Monday. While 110 arrivals were delayed, the number of late departures stood at 269.

2: On X (formerly Twitter), GMR Group-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) issued statement saying the flight operations were being affected due to ‘low visibility.’ Passengers have been advised to check with their respective airlines before reaching the airport, DIAL added in the statement.

Also Read: GRAP-4 restrictions in Delhi as air worsens; what is allowed, what’s not

3: All major airlines – IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India are repeatedly advising flyers to check social media for updated schedule and keep extra time in hand to battle the long delays. As per the latest data, IndiGo is the biggest operator on Delhi Airport. As per the data by Cirium, IndiGo operates 490 flights at Delhi Airport.

4: Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport handles around 1,400 flights on a daily basis. It has also asked flyers to contact airlines for latest flight information.

5: Not only flights, severe smog affected the train travel as well. According to a circular by the Indian Railway, as many as 28 trains were running late due to the severe weather conditions. The trains that were running late due to the smog include Jammu Rajdhani, UP Samark Kranti among others.