Delhi pollution: Nine flights diverted as dense fog hits air traffic

Delhi Pollution: Nine flights were diverted and several others delayed at Delhi airport on Monday due to adverse weather conditions in the national capital, an official said.

According to the official, eight flights were rerouted to Jaipur, while one was diverted to Dehradun due to low visibility caused by Delhi pollution.

The official noted that some pilots lacked training for CAT III operations, necessitating the diversions.

CAT III-trained pilots are generally equipped to handle take-offs and landings under very low visibility conditions.

“Low visibility procedures are in progress at Delhi airport. All flight operations are at present normal,” Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) stated in a post on X early Monday morning.

DIAL, which manages the Indira Gandhi International Airport, oversees approximately 1,400 flight movements daily.

Passengers were also advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates.

The national capital is grappling with high pollution levels that has also resulted in lower visibility levels in various parts of the city. The air quality level plunged to ‘severe plus’ levels.

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According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 11 AM was 487 in the national capital.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4 in Delhi NCR from today, after the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached to ‘severe plus’ category.

(With inputs from PTI)