What the Latest Air Quality Update Shows
Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of around 288, bringing the city back into the ‘poor’ category after several days of very poor and severe pollution. While the numerical improvement offers limited relief, ground-level smog and haze continue to linger, affecting visibility and daily routines across the capital.
Officials have clarified that the improvement reflects slightly better dispersion conditions, not a full recovery from winter pollution.
Why ‘Poor’ AQI Still Matters for Daily Life
An AQI reading of 288 may appear encouraging compared to severe levels, but it remains unhealthy for prolonged exposure. At this range, air quality can still cause breathing discomfort, eye irritation, and fatigue, particularly among children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.
Health experts note that “poor” does not mean safe, especially during winter when pollution stays trapped closer to the ground for longer hours.
Smog Persists Despite Lower AQI Readings
Even as AQI values improve on paper, dense smog continues to affect visibility, especially during early mornings and late evenings. This disconnect highlights a recurring winter pattern in Delhi, where fog, moisture, and pollution combine, reducing visibility even when pollutant concentration dips slightly.
Residents across several parts of the city reported hazy conditions through the day, underlining that numerical AQI improvement does not immediately translate into clear skies.
Impact on Flight Operations at Delhi Airport
The lingering smog has continued to affect flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Airlines have issued advisories cautioning passengers about possible delays, diversions, and rescheduling, particularly for early morning departures and arrivals.
Airport authorities have said that operations remain dependent on visibility conditions, which can fluctuate rapidly during winter smog episodes.
What Travellers Should Keep in Mind
Passengers flying in or out of Delhi are advised to:
• Check flight status before leaving for the airport
• Allow extra time for airport procedures
• Stay alert for airline advisories during low-visibility hours
While operations are ongoing, winter smog remains a key risk factor for schedule disruptions.
How This AQI Level Compares to Recent Days
Delhi’s AQI has shown short-term improvement from earlier severe readings, but officials caution that such changes are often temporary. Winter pollution trends suggest that AQI can swing between poor and very poor categories depending on wind speed, temperature inversion, and moisture levels.
Environmental experts have reiterated that sustained improvement requires consistent dispersion conditions, not just brief weather changes.
Health Advisory for Residents Remains in Place
Doctors continue to advise residents to:
• Limit outdoor activity, especially during morning hours
• Avoid strenuous exercise outside
• Wear protective masks when necessary
• Keep indoor air clean through ventilation management or purifiers
Even at AQI 288, prolonged exposure can aggravate existing health conditions, particularly during repeated pollution episodes.
What Residents Should Expect Next
Meteorological agencies have indicated that winter conditions remain unfavourable for long-term pollution relief, suggesting that air quality may continue to fluctuate in the coming days. Authorities are monitoring conditions closely and may issue advisories based on real-time data.
Residents are encouraged to follow official updates and avoid assuming that lower AQI automatically means normal conditions have returned.
FAQs
What does an AQI of 288 mean for Delhi residents?
An AQI of 288 falls in the poor category, which means the air is still unhealthy, especially for children, senior citizens, and people with respiratory or heart conditions. Prolonged outdoor exposure is not recommended.
Is it safe to go outdoors when the AQI is in the ‘poor’ category?
Short outdoor exposure may be manageable for healthy adults, but morning walks, exercise, and long periods outside should be avoided, particularly during winter when pollution remains trapped close to the ground.
Why is there smog even though AQI levels have improved?
Smog persists due to a combination of pollution, fog, and moisture, which reduces visibility even when pollutant concentration drops slightly. This is common during Delhi’s winter months.
Are flights still being affected at Delhi airport?
Yes. Low visibility caused by smog continues to affect flight operations, particularly early morning departures and arrivals. Passengers are advised to check flight status before travelling to the airport.
Does ‘poor’ AQI mean the pollution crisis is easing?
Not necessarily. While AQI has improved from severe levels, conditions can quickly worsen again depending on weather patterns. Authorities caution against assuming sustained relief.
What health precautions should residents continue to take?
Residents should limit outdoor activity, avoid strenuous exercise outside, use masks if necessary, and ensure indoor air quality is managed, especially during repeated pollution episodes.
How does AQI 288 compare to very poor or severe levels?
AQI 288 is better than very poor or severe categories, but it still poses health risks with prolonged exposure. The difference is relative, not a return to safe air quality.
What should travellers flying from Delhi do right now?
Travellers should monitor airline advisories, allow extra time for travel, and be prepared for possible delays due to changing visibility conditions.