Thick Smog Blankets Delhi-NCR, Visibility Near Zero; Flight Ops Hit As AQI Close To 500 | India News
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The Delhi-NCR air pollution stands at ‘severe’ category on Monday morning, according to official data.
Delhi’s air pollution poses severe health risks. (Image: ANI)
A thick blanket of smog covered the National Capital on Monday morning, leaving residents gasping for clean air. Visuals from the Barapullah flyover showed hazy roads and poor visibility, with vehicles moving cautiously through the gloom. An orange alert has been issued for dense fog in Delhi for next three hours.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the area stood at 433, placing it firmly in the ‘severe’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Visibility conditions early this morning remained poor across the region. At 5:30 am, visibility at Palam had been around 100 metres since 4:30 am but dropped further to 50 metres due to dense fog, with westerly winds blowing at 5–7 kmph. In Delhi, both Safdarjung and Palam reported visibility of 50 metres each, while Hindon in west Uttar Pradesh recorded zero visibility.
Air quality hits season’s worst level
Delhi’s air quality worsened sharply on Sunday, December 14, with the 24-hour average AQI touching 461 by 4 pm. This was the highest reading recorded so far this season. The figure marked a further decline from Saturday’s AQI of 431, which was already classified as ‘severe’. The CPCB warned that pollution levels remained dangerously high, although a slight improvement to the ‘very poor’ category was expected later on Monday.
Airlines issue fog advisory
Flights faced minor delays at the Delhi airport on Monday morning as dense smog reduced visibility, prompting IndiGo and Air India to issue an advisory for passengers. The airline said some departures may face minor delays as operations adjust to weather conditions. Passengers are advised to allow extra time for airport travel, as road traffic may also be slower. IndiGo said its teams are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates.
Travel AdvisoryDelhi is seeing its first hint of winter fog this morning, and visibility around the airport is currently reduced. As operations adjust to the changing weather, some flights may take a little longer to depart.We understand plans, schedules and connections…— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 14, 2025
Poor visibility adds to commuter woes
Along with rising pollution levels, visibility across several parts of the city dropped significantly. Morning commuters reported difficulty while driving, especially on flyovers and major roads. Health experts continue to warn that prolonged exposure to such air can worsen respiratory problems, particularly for children, the elderly and those with existing illnesses.
CAQM pulls up DDA over road conditions
Amid the worsening air crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas criticised the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for lapses in road maintenance. In a strong observation made on Sunday, the commission pointed out “evident gaps” and “recurring negligence” in keeping roads clean and dust-free. Poorly maintained roads are a major source of dust pollution, especially during winter months.
With cold weather conditions trapping pollutants close to the ground, Delhi may continue to struggle with poor air quality in the coming days. Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities and follow health advisories until pollution levels come down.
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December 15, 2025, 06:58 IST
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Published: 2025-12-15 07:45:00
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