Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Dense Fog and Severe Pollution Disrupt Delhi
On January 18, 2026, Northern India, especially Delhi, experienced very thick fog and bad air quality.
The fog made it hard to see, causing delays in flights and trains.
Airlines like IndiGo and Air India warned passengers about possible delays.
The air quality in Delhi was very bad, with levels reaching 'severe'.
The weather was also very cold, with temperatures dropping below 5 degrees Celsius.
The fog and pollution made it difficult for people to travel safely.
Authorities advised everyone to check for updates and plan extra time for their trips.
The severe pollution also posed health risks, especially for children and the elderly.
Severe fog and air pollution affected Northern India, particularly Delhi, on January 18, 2026.
Airlines like IndiGo and Air India issued advisories warning of possible flight delays due to low visibility.
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 439, categorized as 'severe', with some areas exceeding 450.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for fog and a cold wave, with temperatures dropping below 5°C.
Delhi Airport activated Low Visibility Procedures but confirmed that operations were normal at the moment.
- Who
- Residents, commuters, and airlines in Northern India
- What
- Severe fog and air pollution affecting visibility and flight operations
- When
- January 18, 2026
- Where
- Delhi, NCR, and parts of Northern India
- Why
- Due to winter conditions causing dense fog and trapped pollutants
Environmental Concerns
Economic Impact
Health Risks
Environmental Concerns
The severe air pollution poses significant health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of disruptions in flight and train schedules affects businesses and commuters, causing financial losses.
- Date
- January 18, 2026
- Affected Regions
- Delhi, NCR, and parts of Northern India
- Airlines Affected
- IndiGo, Air India
- Airport Advisory
- Low Visibility Procedures activated at Delhi Airport
- AQI in Delhi
- 439 (Severe)
- Minimum Temperature
- 4.4°C (Safdarjung), 4.9°C (Ayanagar)
- IMD Alert
- Yellow alert for fog and cold wave
- Runway Closure
- Delhi Airport's 11R/29L runway to close from mid-February to June
Sources
Mumbai Air Pollution: City Engulfed In Blanket Of Thick Smog Amid Worsening AQI; Videos
Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026: BMC And MPCB To Deploy 4 Air Quality Monitoring Vans Along Race Route
Delhi on IMD's cold wave alert, AQI plummets to ‘severe+’ levels, hits 489 in Anand Vihar as toxic smog shrouds capital
Air India, IndiGo and Delhi airport sound alert as fog intensifies across Northern India; yellow alert for NCR
Delhi Chokes on ‘Severe+’ Air as Temperature Dips to 4.4°C; Check AQI in Your Area, Flight Advisory
Extremely Thick Fog Blankets Delhi-NCR Amid Biting Cold Wave; Visibility Plummets To Near Zero
Visibility Hits Zero As Blinding Fog Grips Delhi-NCR Amid Biting Cold Wave, Flight Ops Hit; GRAP-IV Curbs Return
GRAP 4 restrictions reimposed in Delhi as air quality turns ‘severe’
Dense Fog Blankets Delhi-NCR, Low Visibility At Airport Amid Cold Wave
Airlines issue advisory as dense fog blankets Delhi; IMD issues cold wave alert
Delhi chokes again: AQI in ‘severe’ category at 439 as cold wave and fog persist
Delhi Reimposes GRAP 4 Amid 'Severe' AQI And Dense Fog
Dense fog shrouds Delhi, air quality severe
Delhi AQI deteriorates to ‘severe’ at 439 amid intense cold wave, fog
GRAP-4 curbs reimposed in Delhi-NCR as air quality turns 'severe'
Delhi wakes up to thick blanket of smog; IGI airport issues advisory
Will Delhi Schools Remain Closed Tomorrow as AQI Dips to 'Severe Plus' Category?
