Delhi’s post-Diwali pollution has affected more than just the city’s air quality. A thick layer of smog and shallow fog has also disrupted flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, leaving several passengers facing delays. Here’s all you need to know about this.
Delhi Airport Activates Low Visibility Procedures
According to NDTV, around 44% of departing flights were delayed between midnight on November 8 and 8 PM on November 9, with the average delay lasting approximately 20 minutes. Interestingly, arriving flights operated with little or no delay during this period.
On Diwali night, Delhi Airport activated its first Low Visibility Procedure (LVP) of the 2026-27 winter season as visibility deteriorated amid rising pollution and shallow fog. The airport also issued a passenger advisory, informing travellers about possible disruptions while confirming that flight operations were continuing.
Although IGI Airport has CAT-III technology that allows suitably equipped aircraft to operate in low visibility, this does not mean all flights can operate without restrictions. Aircraft equipment, pilot qualifications and airline authorisations also determine whether take-offs and landings can take place safely.
Furthermore, flight disruptions continued on Tuesday, November 10. According to a snapshot of Flightradar24’s airport operations tracker at around 12:45 PM, Delhi Airport recorded 197 delayed flights and 32 cancellations. The average delay stood at 13 minutes.
Also Read: Delhi’s AQI Touched 1,331 On Diwali Night; Check City-Wise Readings & How To Stay Safe
Post-Diwali Pollution Pushes Delhi’s AQI Into ‘Very Poor’ Category
The flight disruptions come as Delhi continues to grapple with worsening air quality after Diwali celebrations on November 8. According to CPCB data, the city recorded an average AQI of 376 on Diwali, its highest Diwali-day reading since 2021. On November 9, the AQI stood at 370 at 9 AM.
There was some improvement on Tuesday morning, with Delhi’s AQI recorded at around 304 at 7:15 AM. However, this still placed the city in the ‘very poor’ category. Pusa and Chandni Chowk recorded AQI readings of 395 each, while NSUT Jaffarpur registered 382.
For context, an AQI between 301 and 400 falls under the ‘very poor’ category, while readings above 400 are classified as ‘severe’.
With winter approaching, flight operations could face further challenges as fog and poor visibility become more frequent. Travellers flying to or from Delhi are advised to check their flight status with their respective airlines before heading to the airport.
Also Read: Delhi Pollution: 5 Foods To Help You Stay Healthy Amid High AQI
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Dushlik (representative image)
FAQs
What was Delhi's AQI after Diwali 2026?
Delhi recorded an AQI of 376 on Diwali, November 8. On November 10, it improved to around 304 but remained in the 'very poor' category.
Does Delhi Airport have CAT-III technology for low-visibility operations?
Yes, Delhi Airport has CAT-III infrastructure that allows suitably equipped aircraft and qualified pilots to operate in extremely low-visibility conditions.
Are flights operating normally at Delhi Airport?
Flight operations continued despite the disruptions, but delays and cancellations were reported. Passengers should check their flight status with their respective airlines before travelling.
