Delhi AQI: The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) issued a passenger advisory on Thursday as aircraft operations gradually resumed after being disrupted by heavy pollution, but Delhi’s extremely poor air quality persisted. Both arrivals and departures were affected by poor visibility in the early morning, which led to delays and operational changes.
Passengers were encouraged by airport officials to plan their travel with extra buffer time and to be in constant contact with their individual airlines for real-time information. Passengers were further inconvenienced by slower travel towards the airport due to poor visibility and heavy traffic in some areas of the city.
Officials claim that flight operations were primarily impacted in the early hours of the day when visibility was severely impaired by pollution. Operations stabilised as the weather improved during the day, but delays persisted because of the accumulated air traffic backlog. Flights could operate successfully in bad visibility thanks to the adoption of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), but safety regulations required more space between planes.
Due to low temperatures, calm winds, and the buildup of pollutants, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stayed near the “very poor” level. Health professionals have advised locals to restrict their exposure to the outdoors, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.
Authorities affirmed that the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) pollution control measures are still in effect to stop the air quality from getting worse. Agencies have been directed to remain prepared in the event that conditions deteriorate once more, and ongoing monitoring is in progress.
Although flight services are returning to normal, DIAL stressed that unexpected weather variations may still have an effect on operations in the days ahead. Before travelling to the airport, travellers are advised to check official airline and airport announcements.
Coordinated efforts between aviation authorities, meteorological agencies, and civic organisations continue to be essential in minimising disruptions and guaranteeing passenger safety as Delhi struggles with persistent air pollution.
