Dense fog grips Delhi as AQI hits 376; flights delayed and GRAP Stage III enforced

• What happened: Dense fog and a cold wave reduced visibility across New Delhi, while the AQI touched 376, triggering Stage III restrictions under GRAP.
• Why it matters now: Weather and pollution authorities warn air quality may deteriorate to severe, raising health risks and impacting transport operations.
• What changes for people: Flight delays, slow road traffic, and tighter pollution control measures are expected across the NCR.
• Who is affected: Travellers, daily commuters, elderly citizens, and people with respiratory conditions are most impacted.

A thick layer of fog and haze blanketed New Delhi on Saturday morning (January 17, 2026), pushing visibility to extremely low levels and delaying several operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). At the same time, air quality remained in the very poor zone, raising concerns over public health and winter pollution management.

Authorities from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 4.4°C, roughly 3.2°C below normal, as cold wave conditions tightened their hold across the capital region. Relative humidity stood at 100 percent at 9 am, supporting dense fog formation across central and outer Delhi.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI at 9 am hit 376, placing Delhi firmly in the very poor category. Pollution agencies noted that sustained slow wind speeds and unfavourable winter conditions were contributing to pollutant accumulation at ground level.

Travel disruption at Delhi airport and across NCR

Several flights departing or arriving at IGI Airport were delayed due to poor visibility, with airport authorities advising passengers to check flight status with airlines before travel. Commuters on roads also reported slower movement on major corridors including NH-48, Delhi-Noida Direct Flyway, and parts of Ring Road. Train services faced intermittent delays as fog hovered over rail lines through the morning.

Pollution panel enforces Stage III actions under GRAP

Earlier this week, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) held a review meeting amid a steady rise in pollution levels. After evaluating trends and forecasts from IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the panel noted that air quality could enter the severe category due to stagnant meteorological conditions.

Reacting to the assessment, the Sub-Committee moved to activate Stage III restrictions, instructing agencies including NCR Pollution Control Boards and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to implement a nine-point action plan. These measures are in addition to ongoing Stage I and Stage II actions already active in the region.

The Stage III plan includes tighter curbs on:
• Industrial emissions
• Construction and demolition activity
• Dust control and road sweeping
• Polluting vehicles and generator usage

Officials said these restrictions will remain in force until pollution levels improve and weather becomes more favourable for dispersion.

Why air quality remains a winter challenge

Experts highlight that Delhi’s winter pollution spike is driven by a combination of:
• Low wind speeds that trap pollutants
• Temperature inversion that prevents vertical mixing
• Vehicular emissions and biomass burning
• Construction dust and road congestion
• High humidity, increasing smog formation

Health specialists advise residents, especially those with asthma or cardiovascular issues, to limit outdoor exposure, wear N95 masks, and monitor symptoms.