New Delhi: The national capital remains gripped by a dual crisis of hazardous air pollution and paralyzing winter fog. On Monday morning, December 22, 2025, Delhi’s air quality continued to languish in the ‘very poor’ category, with several hotspots crossing into the ‘severe’ zone, while near-zero visibility at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport threw air travel into chaos.
Pollution Hotspots Reach ‘Severe’ Zone
While the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 366 (very poor) at 7:05 AM, local data from the Sameer app revealed a much grimmer reality in specific districts. The Narela monitoring station recorded a peak AQI of 418, the highest in the city today. Other areas including Anand Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, and Wazirpur also breached the 400-mark, entering the ‘severe’ category.
AQI Snapshot (Dec 22):
- Narela: 418 (Severe)
- Bawana: 408 (Severe)
- Anand Vihar: 402 (Severe)
- City Average: 366 (Very Poor)
Aviation Chaos: 150+ Flights Delayed
Dense fog has severely hampered operations at IGI Airport for the second consecutive day. Following a disastrous Sunday where nearly 100 flights were cancelled, Monday saw over 150 flights delayed as visibility plummeted.
Airport authorities have implemented CAT-III Low Visibility Procedures to manage the few flights still moving. A passenger advisory issued at 7 AM urged travelers to remain in constant contact with their airlines, as schedules remain highly unpredictable. The disruptions have also trickled down to the northern railways, with over 50 trains reportedly running late.
Weather and Health Outlook
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects moderate to dense fog to persist throughout the day, with maximum temperatures hovering around 21°C and a minimum of 9°C.
Health experts have reiterated warnings for residents, particularly the elderly and children, to avoid outdoor physical exertion. Under current GRAP Stage-IV regulations, strict bans on non-essential construction and specific vehicle entries remain in place to prevent the AQI from escalating further.