Delhi remained gripped by severe air pollution and dense fog on Friday morning, with the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 387 in the 'very poor' category, while multiple monitoring stations breached the 400 mark into 'severe' territory. Visibility plummeted across the national capital, disrupting road traffic and flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The combination of stagnant weather, high humidity, and accumulated pollutants exacerbated respiratory concerns for residents, particularly vulnerable groups.

According to Central Pollution Control Board data at 8 a.m., the most polluted areas included Anand Vihar (AQI 437), RK Puram (436), Sirifort (432), Dwarka Sector 8 (420), Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range (418), Okhla Phase-II (416), Punjabi Bagh (412), ITO (409), Patparganj (408), and Wazirpur (404)—all classified as 'severe'. Thick fog blanketed major roads and landmarks, forcing vehicles to use headlights even during daylight hours and reducing visibility to near-zero in several pockets.

Flight operations faced significant disruptions, with several cancellations reported early in the day. Major airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, issued travel advisories, warning passengers of potential delays or cancellations due to low visibility procedures (CAT III). Air India highlighted its 'FogCare' initiative for rescheduling without fees, while IndiGo and SpiceJet urged travellers to check statuses and allow extra time for road journeys amid slower traffic.

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Airport authorities confirmed operations under low-visibility protocols, with teams assisting affected passengers. The disruptions follow a pattern seen earlier in the month, when mass cancellations stranded thousands. The India Meteorological Department had forecasted persistent dense fog, contributing to the inversion layer trapping pollutants close to the ground.

Health experts renewed appeals for precautions, advising residents to limit outdoor activities, use masks, and monitor symptoms, as prolonged exposure to 'severe' AQI levels poses risks of aggravated asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular issues. With no immediate relief in sight from changing wind patterns, Delhi's winter pollution crisis continues to challenge daily life and mobility.

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