Delhi Weather Updates: Delhi Air Quality Reaches Severe Levels, Smog Returns!
Delhi AQI: Delhiites, get ready, the air in the city is indeed carrying the main character! The Air Quality Index (AQI) rapidly rose above 400, and the capital was quickly plunged into the ‘severe’ level. The AQI readings on Saturday night at 9 pm were ominous: Anand Vihar 430, Vivek Vihar 434 (the worst hit!), AIIMS 397, ITO 421, India Gate 377, and Akshardham 423. The 24-hour average was still too high to be bearable, at 374, and it was even worse than the day before.
#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals around Akshardham area as a layer of toxic smog engulfs the national capital. CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) has invoked all actions under GRAP Stage-IV in Delhi-NCR.
AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 423, categorised as… pic.twitter.com/uiOMA4ehcw
— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2025
There is no need to anticipate a quick breather, the Air Quality Early Warning System forecasts that the smoke is not about to phase out soon. The city is probably going to be under the wrap of the same poisonous fog on Sunday and Monday.
Thus, masks on, air purifiers working, and outdoor activities postponed, Delhi’s winter smog has claimed its supremacy, and it’s really difficult to get rid of. Be cautious, do the right thing with your breath, and perhaps think twice about that morning jog, at home!
Fog Chaos In Delhi: Flights Grounded, Travelers on Alert!
Delhi’s weather is giving a tough time! The heavy fog has engulfed the capital and the northern as well as eastern parts of India, which have been scraping the ground for the airplanes to fly and land accordingly. To the disadvantage of the passengers, Air India has offered an advisory on the flights of its network, saying that there would be delays, however, ‘calm down’, for the airline has already taken some initiatives proactively to minimize the downtime.
Weather forecasts continue to indicate dense fog conditions with reduced visibility in Delhi and parts of northern and eastern India tomorrow morning.
This will affect flight schedules across the network. We have taken proactive steps to minimise disruptions…
— Air India (@airindia) December 20, 2025
Under the FogCare program, the passengers affected will be given early notices, the flights will be rescheduled without any extra charge, or even refunds in full will be offered. The Delhi airport is ready for the low visibility and is still going to be very careful about notifying the passengers; hence, keep your phones charged and switched on for receiving the updates in real-time!
On Saturday at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), 129 flights were cancelled: 66 of them coming in and 63 going out. The airlines and Airport Authority of India (AAI) are watching the situation closely. The takeaway for travelers is to put on masks, activate their patience, and maybe have that airport coffee close by, your flight still might be a little late but on the runway with a stylish arrival!
Factors Contributing To Poor Air Quality In Delhi
- Transport: 15.9% of pollution
- Residential sources: 7.9%
- Construction activities: 3.8%
- Waste burning: 2.1%
- Road dust: 1.1%
NCR District Contributions:
- Jhajjar: 16.6%
- Rohtak: 5.5%
- Bhiwani: 3.6%
- Sonipat: 2%
- Gurugram: 1.8%
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