Dense fog covered Delhi as the AQI hit 384, pushing air quality to the edge of the ‘severe’ zone.

Dense fog hit Delhi, cutting visibility and pushing AQI to 384, near ‘severe’, causing major travel disruptions.

Delhi reeled under severe weather and pollution conditions on Saturday as dense fog blanketed large parts of the national capital, drastically reducing visibility and pushing air quality to dangerous levels. 

Thick, toxic smog has engulfed Delhi as air quality plunged into the ‘severe’ zone. With AQI hitting 420 near Akshardham, CAQM has enforced GRAP Stage-IV measures across Delhi-NCR, signalling a public health emergency.

Buildings and flyovers disappeared into a grey haze as the Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 384, placing it on the brink of the ‘severe’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI levels between 301 and 400 are classified as ‘very poor’, while readings above 400 fall under ‘severe’.

The worst visibility up to 8.30 am was recorded at Safdarjung (200 metres), followed by Palam (350 metres), official data showed. The fog severely disrupted air travel, forcing the cancellation of over 100 flights at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, including 66 arrivals and 63 departures, even as authorities implemented low-visibility procedures and advised passengers to check with airlines for updates.

Adding to the morning’s disruptions, five coaches and the engine of the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express derailed, though railway officials confirmed that no passengers were injured.