Delhi was still experiencing the blend of both heavy fog and high levels of air pollution on Saturday. The pollution level in Delhi is closer to the severe level and is being expected to further worsen during the weekend.
Over 700 Flights Affected Due to Reduced Visibility
The airport authority reported that more than 700 flight operations have been affected, with 177 flights cancelled. 88 flights of these had been departure flights, and 89 had been arrival flights, with two international flights. The visibility in the city has reduced significantly.
Delhi Airport Issues Passenger Advisory
The advisory reads, “Low-visibility procedures are still in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are functioning normally. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates”
Delhi Airport issues passenger advisory.
The advisory reads, “Low-visibility procedures are still in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are functioning normally. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates” pic.twitter.com/lYDO0H9YVM
— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2025
IMD Issues Orange Alert
The India Meteorological Department released an orange alert for fog on Saturday and forecasted the possibility of dense to very dense fog during the early morning hours. Moderate fog was also forecasted at several places, with the possibility of dense fog at isolated places during the next two days.
Record Low Visibility
Zero visibility was recorded at the Safdarjung weather station at 5:30 am, while Palam recorded 50 meters on Saturday morning. The India Meteorological Department has sounded a orange alert because of zero visibility.
Air Quality Tends Towards ‘Severe’ Categories
The overall average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi is recorded to be 374, which comes in the “very poor” category, while the average AQI in the morning is recorded to be 382, which is nearly reaching the “severe” level of 401 AQI. Eleven out of the total 40 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi recorded severe air quality. The highest air quality in Vivek Vihar is recorded to be 434, followed by Anand Vihar with an AQI of 430.
Tenth Consecutive Day of Poor Air Quality
Saturday is the tenth consecutive day of very poor or severe levels of air quality in Delhi. This came despite strict vehicle checks being initiated in the past day only, with thousands of challans being issued in the NCR areas. Reactive measures for pollution control are less effective, as stated by experts.
Temperature Effects Aggravating Pollution
For today, December 20, 2025, in New Delhi, the minimum temperature is around 8°C to 11°C, with forecasts suggesting it could feel colder due to fog, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach 22°C to 24°C, with partly cloudy skies and dense morning fog.
December Records the Dirtiest Month in Eight Years
The past month of December has already recorded three episodes of severe air quality between the 13th and 15th, thus making it the smoggiest December in eight years. Last November, the national capital recorded 24 days of very poor air quality and three days of severe air quality.
Supreme Court Pushes for Long-Term Solutions
The Supreme Court has urged the Commission for Air Quality Management to start thinking about long-term strategies instead of short-term emergency responses. The strategies include increasing mobility in urban areas, cutting down emissions, and banning the burning of crop stalks. The next hearing is scheduled for January 6.
Lack of Rain Adds Fuel to Air Pollution
The lack of rain in December has obstructed the natural process of dispersion of pollution in the atmosphere. Safdarjung received zero rainfall. Delhi Airport Issues Advisory for Passengers. There is a passenger alert from the Delhi Airport, which has low visibility.
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