Delhi Chokes as Severe Smog Grounds Flights, AQI Hits 474

Delhi woke up to a city cloaked in toxic haze on Monday, December 15, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to a ‘severe’ 454 at 7:05 AM. Sunday’s reading of 461 marked the second-worst December air quality on record, highlighting the growing crisis of winter pollution in the capital.

Dense fog further compounded the chaos, forcing at least five flights bound for Delhi to divert. Among them was the flight carrying Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, whose arrival for the final leg of his G.O.A.T Tour was delayed by several hours. Scheduled to land before 11 AM, he finally touched down well past 2 PM.

The Delhi airport had issued a travel advisory warning passengers of possible disruptions. Major airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, echoed the caution, urging travelers to check flight statuses and allow extra time for commutes slowed by hazardous air conditions.

The smog was not limited to the airport vicinity. Videos and reports from across Delhi revealed a thick layer of toxic air at key locations such as Akshardham (AQI 493), Barapulla flyover (AQI 433), and Barakhamba Road (AQI 474), reducing visibility and making outdoor activities risky.

To tackle the worsening crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the strictest level under its air pollution control measures. This included halting all construction and demolition work in Delhi-NCR. The Delhi government also ordered 50% of staff in government and private offices to work from home and shifted schooling for most classes to hybrid or online modes.

Delhi residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure, use air purifiers where possible, and follow official advisories while the city grapples with one of the most severe air pollution episodes of the year.