Dense smog delays over 300 flights at Delhi airport: Report

Heavy smog disrupted flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, leading to significant delays due to reduced visibility, on November 14. NDTV reported that according to Flightradar 24, more than 300 flights were delayed, comprising 115 incoming and 226 outgoing flights. The average delay was around 17 minutes for arrivals and 54 minutes for departures, though it remains unclear if all delays were solely due to poor weather condtions.

The Delhi Airport issued an advisory on X (formerly Twitter), notifying passengers of low visibility protocols and encouraging them to check with airlines for updates. IndiGo warned travellers of potential delays caused by winter fog and urged them to monitor their flight status.

The smog is a result of the worsening air quality in the capital and adjoining cities. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) shot up to 459 at noon, falling under the 'severe' category, the Central Pollution Control Board reported. It was a sharp downfall in air quality from an AQI reading of 334 just 24 hours back.

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