Delhi AQI goes past 760 as smog worsens; schools go online, airlines warn of flight delays

As part of the GRAP-IV response, non-essential truck traffic has been restricted, with only electric, LNG, CNG, and BS-VI diesel trucks allowed entry.

Delhi’s air has plunged to hazardous levels with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reading surpassing 700 in a few areas and staying above 450 in several parts of the national capital, forcing authorities to tighten restrictions on movement of vehicles and airlines warning of flight delays as visibility dropped at the airport.

The toxic smog, a lethal mix of smoke, fog and dust, pushed the AQI in "severe plus" category, prompting authorities to tighten emergency measures the under revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR.

India's largest airline IndiGo issued a travel advisory, warning passengers of potential delays due to low visibility caused by dense fog. The airline urged flyers to check flight status before heading to the airport.

#6ETravelAdvisory: 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 https://t.co/rpnOvAOxQl. Safe travels!
IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) November 17, 2024

SpiceJet, too, issued a similar alert early in the morning.

#WeatherUpdate: Due to poor visibility in Delhi (DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via https://t.co/qgJ2NF4QR5. SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) November 18, 2024

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has been operating under low-visibility procedures, though flights were on schedule until late November 17. The airport handles around 1,400 daily flights a day and any delays or rescheduling can have a cascading effect on airline schedules.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), as the AQI in areas like Jahangirpuri climbed to 762. With air quality reaching such alarming levels, the CAQM has implemented measures to curb pollution, including restrictions on non-essential truck traffic and a ban on construction activities.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said with the implementation of GRAP-4, physical classes were being suspended for all students except those in classes 10 and 12. In her post on X (formerly Twitter), she said all schools would move classes online until further notice.

With the imposition of GRAP-4 from tmrw, physical classes shall be discontinued for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12. All schools will hold online classes, until further orders.
Atishi (@AtishiAAP) November 17, 2024

ALSO READ: Low visibility procedures in place at Delhi airport

Thick smog and low visibility

The cold temperatures, calm winds and high pollution are trapping dust, emissions, and smoke from illegal farm fires in the atmosphere, creating hazardous smog conditions. The India Meteorological Department has forecasted poor air quality and low wind speeds through the week, with the city’s minimum temperature expected to drop to 14°C (57.2°F) on Novemner 18.

VIDEO | Delhi witnesses thick fog cover. Early morning visuals from India Gate area.#DelhiWeather #WeatherUpdate(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/TsqDvOTgtu Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 18, 2024

Emergency Measures and Restrictions

As part of the GRAP-IV response, non-essential truck traffic has been restricted, with only electric, LNG, CNG, and BS-VI diesel trucks allowed entry. The city has also imposed a ban on construction and demolition activities, including major infrastructure projects like roads, highways, and flyovers, to reduce dust and particulate pollution.