Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) issued a crucial passenger advisory early on Thursday morning as a dense fog blanket engulfed the national capital. The airport authorities confirmed that Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) were activated to ensure safety, though flight operations continued without major disruptions.
Airport Operations Under Low Visibility Protocols
The advisory was formally issued at 4:30 am, alerting travelers about significantly reduced visibility caused by the intense fog. "Low-visibility procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are presently normal," stated the official communication posted on the social media platform X. Officials emphasized that while the LVP was in force as a standard safety measure, flight services were not significantly disrupted at the time. Passengers were, however, urged to contact their respective airlines for the most current updates on arrivals and departures.
City Chokes Under Toxic Smog and 'Severe' Air Quality
The airport advisory coincided with another severe environmental challenge for Delhi residents: dangerously poor air quality. Large parts of the city were shrouded in a thick, toxic smog, drastically reducing visibility and causing widespread discomfort.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several key locations recorded alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) levels:
- Anand Vihar faced the worst conditions, with the AQI soaring to 415, placing it in the 'severe' category. This prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate all measures under GRAP Stage-IV across Delhi-NCR.
- RK Puram recorded an AQI of 374, classified as 'very poor'.
- The area outside ISBT Kashmere Gate was enveloped in smog with an AQI of 384 ('very poor').
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium areas reported an AQI of 349 ('very poor').
- Najafgarh and Dhaula Kuan recorded AQI levels of 284 and 266 respectively, both in the 'poor' category.
Navigating Travel and Health Concerns
The dual challenges of dense fog and hazardous air quality created a difficult scenario for Delhi. While the airport managed to maintain normal operations through established safety protocols, the severe pollution levels posed a significant public health risk. Residents were advised to take necessary precautions due to the 'severe' and 'very poor' air, which can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Travelers, especially those with early morning flights, are recommended to stay in close contact with their airlines for any last-minute changes, despite the current normalcy in flight schedules.
