Delhi AQI still 'very poor'; over 150 flights delayed
What's the story
Delhi's air quality continues to remain in the "very poor" category as dense fog envelops the national capital. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 366 at 7:05am on Monday, according to data from the Sameer (System for Air Quality & Weather Forecasting & Research) app, which is designed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several areas recorded severe pollution levels, with the Narela monitoring station recording an AQI of 418, the highest so far on Monday.
Flight disruptions
Delhi airport issues advisory amid low visibility
Over 150 flights have already been delayed on Monday, with the airport requesting passengers to check with their airlines for updated flight information. On Sunday, nearly 100 flights were canceled, and over 200 were delayed due to similar conditions. At 8am, the Indira Gandhi International (IGI)airport in Delhi issued an advisory for passengers due to low visibility conditions caused by dense fog. However, at 10am, it said operations were smooth.
Twitter Post
Advisory issued by Delhi International Airport Limited
Passenger Advisory issued at 10:00 hours.
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 22, 2025
Please click on this link for real-time winter-ready travel updates: https://https://t.co/1grW9nhXpJ#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/SF7KxMTSKZ
Fog effect
Dense fog impacts rail traffic, visibility across north India
However, the dense fog has impacted rail traffic, with several trains running late, according to the Hindustan Times, which quoted railway officials. Satellite imagery indicated zero visibility at multiple locations in north India on Monday morning. The India Meteorological Department(IMD) recorded zero visibility at Amritsar, Bathinda, Halwara, Kanpur, and other places between 7:30am and 8:30am.
Pollution forecast
Delhi's air quality likely to remain 'very poor'
The IMD official said the dense fog is affecting several states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The impact of fog and related disruptions is likely to continue till Tuesday due to a western disturbance causing fresh snowfall in parts of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Delhi's AQI is expected to remain "very poor" till December 24 but may worsen into "severe" by New Year's Eve.