Delhi-NCR witnessed severely reduced visibility late Sunday night and early Monday as a dense blanket of smog engulfed the region.Visuals from several parts of the region, including AIIMS flyover and Noida’s Sector 37 showed vehicles struggling through a haze of toxic smog, highlighting the severity of the pollution.
The blow is twofold, as the city grapples with cold winter temperatures alongside rising pollution levels.
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for very dense fog on Monday, warning commuters of restricted visibility on major roads.Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) issued a passenger advisory as dense fog blanketed the national capital. Airport authorities announced that flight operations are being conducted under CAT III (Category III) conditions—an advanced instrument landing system that allows specially trained pilots and equipped aircraft to land in low-visibility environments (typically below 200–300 meters).
The advisory reads, "Flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III conditions due to dense fog, which may result in delays and cancellations. Our ground teams are actively assisting passengers to ensure smooth travel. We sincerely regret for any inconvenience caused".Due to dense fog at Delhi Airport, an Air India Express flight traveling from Goa’s Manohar International Airport (Mopa) to New Delhi was diverted to Ahmedabad in the early hours of Monday.
The flight, which departed at 11:55 pm, was scheduled to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) Terminal 1 at 2:35 am.IndiGo also issued a travel advisory on Monday morning, December 29, 2025, warning that Delhi and Hindon (Ghaziabad) airports remain "wrapped in chilly winter air and lingering fog."
The airline noted that fluctuating visibility has led to changes in flight schedules and cautioned that operations may be slower than usual as ground teams prioritize safety and compliance with visibility requirements.Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected around 22°C and 7°C, respectively, with Sunday night’s minimum dipping to 6.3°C, slightly below the seasonal average.
The city’s air quality slipped into the “very poor” category, with several areas, including Anand Vihar, recording hazardous AQI levels above 400. Authorities advised residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, to stay indoors.
Under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), officials have imposed curbs on construction and industrial activity, while enforcing the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule to control vehicular emissions.Experts have cautioned that poor air quality will likely continue under the prevailing weather conditions.
Curated by Dr. Elena Rodriguez
