Severe Smog Disrupts Travel in India's Capital, Delhi

Delhi, India’s capital, is grappling with severe smog and hazardous air quality, which has led to significant travel disruptions across the city. Dense fog and extremely poor visibility were reported early Friday, severely impacting flights, trains, and road transport systems. The persistent air pollution, exacerbated by low temperatures and stagnant weather conditions, has made travel difficult and hazardous.

In the early hours of Friday, visibility in multiple areas of Delhi was reported to be nearly zero, leading to widespread chaos at the airport and railway stations. Over 150 flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed, while dozens of trains across the region were running behind schedule. The dense fog and poor air quality have compounded the travel difficulties, with many passengers facing frustrating delays and cancellations.

This type of weather and pollution is a common occurrence in northern India during the winter months, typically between December and January. During this time, low temperatures trap pollutants close to the ground, creating dense fog and significantly reducing visibility. The accumulation of smoke, dust, and vehicular emissions further worsens the air quality, making travel dangerous and adding to the environmental concerns of the region.

According to the Safar website, which monitors air quality in Delhi, the air quality index in various parts of the city exceeded 400 on Friday, which is more than 25 times higher than the recommended safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Such high pollution levels are not only hazardous to health but also pose serious risks for travelers and residents. This has led local authorities to implement emergency measures aimed at mitigating the impact of the pollution.

To combat the deteriorating air quality, the Delhi government has reinstated pollution control measures, including halting construction and demolition activities, which are significant contributors to air pollution. Schools have been instructed to conduct classes online to protect students from being exposed to harmful airborne particles. These measures reflect the seriousness of the smog crisis in Delhi and the city’s ongoing struggle with air pollution.

Social media posts and images from the city show a blanket of fog covering roads, buildings, and even farmland, making it almost impossible for people to see beyond a few meters. The dense smog has not only impacted visibility but also created an unsafe environment for those trying to navigate the streets. The travel chaos has caused major disruptions to daily life, with people stranded at airports and train stations, unsure of when they will be able to continue their journeys.

The Delhi airport issued an advisory to travelers, warning them about possible delays due to the low visibility. While flights continued to take off and land, the advisory explained that flights not equipped with the CAT III landing system — which allows for landings in conditions of poor visibility — could be significantly delayed. As a result, many flights departing from the airport faced delays of more than 30 minutes, with arrivals also delayed by nearly 20 minutes.

Passengers at the airport took to social media to express their frustration, with many complaining about the lack of updates and information regarding their flight status. One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “No display of boarding gates, and it seems no one knows the exact status of the flights.”

In addition to the delays at the airport, 26 trains to Delhi were also running late due to the dense fog, as reported by Indian Railways. This added to the travel difficulties for those relying on trains to reach the capital. The fog and poor visibility have made it extremely challenging for passengers to navigate their journeys, contributing to heightened stress and confusion at transportation hubs.

The Indian weather department has predicted light showers over the weekend, which are expected to improve visibility and help dissipate some of the dense fog. While this development is expected to provide some relief, the air pollution in Delhi remains a recurring problem, particularly during the winter months when weather conditions trap pollutants.

This ongoing smog crisis highlights the urgent need for both short-term solutions and long-term strategies to address Delhi’s air quality challenges. While the measures currently in place can help reduce pollution temporarily, more comprehensive efforts are needed to tackle the underlying causes of air pollution in the city. This includes improving the management of emissions from vehicles, industrial activities, and construction, as well as promoting cleaner energy alternatives.

The current situation also underscores the importance of public awareness and action in reducing the environmental impact of daily activities. As Delhi continues to battle poor air quality, both the local government and residents must work together to mitigate the health risks posed by smog and ensure safer, more sustainable living conditions for all.