Viral Plane Video Reveals Stark Pollution Divide Between Delhi and Vienna

A chilling video captured from an aircraft window has gone viral, dramatically illustrating the stark contrast in air quality between Vienna and Delhi as winter smog engulfs the Indian capital. Shared on Instagram by traveller @the_aurora_guy, the 18-second clip transitions from crystal-clear views of Austria’s lush green Alps to a thick, yellowish-brown haze completely obscuring Delhi’s skyline upon descent. “Felt like travelling from 8K resolution to the blurred 90’s camera quality,” the user captioned, garnering 4.3 million views and 187,000 likes within 24 hours of posting on November 5.

As the plane approaches Indira Gandhi International Airport, the National Capital Region vanishes under a toxic blanket so dense that even the runway lights are barely visible until the final moments. Internet users called the footage “scary and alarming”, with one commenting, “From 4K to Mexican cowboy movie filter,” while another wrote, “Delhi is literally the most polluted city in the world right now—why get defensive instead of fixing it?” The video surfaced just hours after Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI crossed 410 (severe-plus category) on Wednesday morning, with Anand Vihar recording a staggering 491.

Data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals October 2025 saw Delhi’s monthly PM2.5 average spike to 107 µg/m³—three times September levels and 21 times WHO guidelines. The latest Global Burden of Disease study estimates air pollution caused 17,188 deaths in Delhi in 2023 alone, a 9% rise since 2018 despite Graded Response Action Plan measures. Toxic foam returned to the Yamuna, schools shifted to hybrid mode, and construction bans were reimposed as the season’s first severe smog episode gripped the region.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Blames BJP for Delhi’s Toxic Air, Says “No More Excuses”

Environmental experts warn the crisis will worsen with falling temperatures and stubble burning in Punjab-Haryana, where over 1,700 farm fires were recorded on Tuesday. With Diwali fireworks looming and vehicular emissions contributing 40% of PM2.5, Delhiites took to social media demanding urgent cross-state action, as the viral video served as a grim reminder that the capital’s air remains a public health emergency visible even from 30,000 feet.

Also Read: Delhi Bans Entry of Non-BS-VI Commercial Vehicles from Nov 1 to Fight Toxic Winter Smog