Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Hanoi and Delhi Face Severe Air Pollution
Hanoi and Delhi are having a big problem with smog.
The air quality is very bad in both cities, and it's making people sick.
In Hanoi, the government is asking factories to make less stuff to help.
They also said they will stop some motorbikes and cars from using gasoline in the city center starting in 2026.
The smog is so bad that it's like having 50 times more bad particles in the air than what doctors say is safe.
In Delhi, the air quality is also very poor and is expected to stay that way until December 13.
People are wearing masks and feeling tired because of the dirty air in both cities.
Hanoi's AQI hit 243, ranking it among the world's most polluted cities.
Vietnam's Ministry of Health urged factories to cut output when AQI exceeds 200.
Main pollution sources include transportation, industrial production, and waste burning.
Partial bans on gasoline-powered motorbikes in downtown Hanoi areas start mid-2026.
Delhi's air quality slipped to 'very poor' with a 24-hour average AQI of 307.
- Who
- Residents and authorities in Hanoi, Vietnam and Delhi, India
- What
- Severe air pollution and smog crisis
- When
- December 11, 2023, and ongoing
- Where
- Hanoi, Vietnam and Delhi, India
- Why
- Due to industrial production, transportation, construction, and burning of waste
- AQI in Hanoi
- 243
- WHO Recommended PM2.5 Level
- 5 micrograms/cu m
- Main Pollution Sources in Hanoi
- Transportation, industrial production, construction, garbage and agricultural residue burning
- Planned Motorbike Ban in Hanoi
- Partial ban from mid-2026 in downtown areas
- Vietnam's Air Pollution Duration
- Years, especially severe in Hanoi
- AQI in Delhi
- 307
- Main Pollution Sources in Delhi
- Transport (16.6%), industries (8.3%), construction (2.2%), residential (4%)
- Delhi Air Quality Forecast
- Very poor till December 13