A large part of Delhi-NCR was covered with dense fog on Sunday (December 21). According to real-time data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) level remained in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category at many places.
The maximum AQI was recorded at 381 at India Gate and Dutta Path, while it reached 438 at Anand Vihar and Ghazipur. AQI at ITO was 405 on Sunday morning. According to AQI classification, 0-50 is ‘good’, 51-100 is ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 is ‘moderate’, 201-300 is ‘poor’, 301-400 is ‘very poor’ and 401-500 is ‘severe’.
Visibility limited due to fog
According to the videos surfaced from India Gate, ITO and Ghazipur, visibility has become very limited due to fog. This smog was seen spread on the main roads including near the duty road. Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated all GRAP measures under Stage-IV prescribed for severe air pollution conditions in Delhi-NCR.
Many flights and trains delayed
According to PTI report, many flights and trains were delayed due to dense fog on Sunday. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert. IMD scientist RK Jenamani said that the winds failed to remove the fog layer, due to which the temperature remained low. He said, ‘There was a similar situation in December 2019 also, when there was a huge drop in the maximum temperature on December 17 and 18.’
Passenger Advisory issued at 10:00 hours.
Please click on this link for real-time winter-ready travel updates: https://t.co/Y0B6lhwIj4#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/6au37stsNE
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 21, 2025
Flight services have been affected due to haze and fog at many big airports of the country including Delhi’s IGI Airport. IGI Airport has issued an advisory for passengers, according to which flight operations at the airport are normal at present, but please consult your airline before leaving home.
Fog conditions in parts of Northern India are affecting visibility and may lead to delays or changes in flight operations at select airports. Passengers are advised to check flight updates with their airlines through official channels and allow extra time for airport travel and… pic.twitter.com/zjolLwLROA
— Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) December 21, 2025
What did the Airport Authority of India say?
Giving information, the Airport Authority of India said that visibility is being affected due to dense fog in some parts of Northern India and there may be delays or changes in flights at select airports. Passengers are advised to seek flight updates from their airlines through official channels and allow extra time for airport travel and formalities.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has deployed passenger assistance teams to provide ground support at the affected airports. He said that the safety and convenience of passengers is our top priority. Helpline numbers have also been issued for help.
Many flights canceled due to fog
Dense fog in northern India has affected flight services throughout the week. Officials said that on December 17, more than 800 flights were delayed and 200 were canceled. More than 700 flights were delayed and 177 flights were canceled on Friday, including four international services. Experts have warned that the winter months may see long periods of dense fog and toxic smoke.
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