Tag: Flight Delays

National

Severe Delhi Smog: Singapore High Commission Issues Advisory to Nationals as AQI Crosses 400

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk

As Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the ‘severe’ category on Monday, the Singapore High Commission in India issued an advisory for its nationals residing in the Delhi-NCR region, urging them to follow official health guidelines and remain cautious amid worsening pollution levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app, the overall Air Quality Index in the capital stood at 437 at 2 pm, with all monitoring stations recording readings of 400 or above.

The advisory was shared by the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi through its official X handle, noting that on December 13, 2025, the Indian authorities invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan, the highest level of pollution control measures in the Delhi National Capital Region. Under GRAP Stage 4, construction and industrial activities are heavily restricted, while schools and offices are encouraged to shift to a hybrid mode of functioning.

The High Commission highlighted that the Delhi government has advised residents, particularly children and individuals with respiratory or cardiac ailments, to stay indoors and to wear masks when stepping outside. In light of this, the High Commission urged Singapore nationals in the region to pay heed to the advisory and prioritise their health and safety.

The advisory also cautioned travellers about possible disruptions to flight operations due to low visibility caused by thick smog. The Indira Gandhi International Airport and several airlines have issued advisories regarding delays, cancellations and diversions, prompting the High Commission to ask travellers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates. A contact point was also provided for Singapore nationals requiring consular assistance.

The severe air quality and dense smog have engulfed the national capital for the third consecutive day, significantly impacting daily life and air travel. The CPCB categorises air quality as ‘moderate’ between AQI levels of 101 and 200, ‘poor’ between 201 and 300, ‘very poor’ between 301 and 400, and ‘severe’ for readings above 400. AQI levels of 450 and above fall under ‘severe plus’, while a reading of 500 is considered seriously dangerous.

According to airport authorities, over 400 flights at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed, with 61 cancellations and five diversions reported. In an operational update issued at 2 pm, the Delhi airport said that runway visibility had improved and flight operations were gradually returning to normal. However, it cautioned that some arrivals and departures could still be affected and advised passengers to remain in contact with their airlines for the latest information.

Human Interest

IndiGo Pilot’s Heartfelt In-Flight Announcement Amid Travel Chaos

allycaralgoa

In the midst of ongoing flight disruptions, an IndiGo pilot’s compassionate in-flight message has captured widespread attention online. The video, shared by Pradeep Krishnan, shows the pilot addressing passengers directly, expressing empathy for the inconvenience caused by flight delays.

The pilot said, “I am sorry! I completely get how tough it is when a flight causes you to miss something important. I promise you, we’re not on strike. As pilots, we’re trying our best, and we want to go home too.”

He acknowledged the stress passengers were experiencing and highlighted the challenges faced by airline staff. “A lot has been happening in the last few days, and my heart goes out to everyone who’s stuck or stranded. Our flight into Coimbatore was delayed too, and I’ve seen all the videos of people getting upset and angry. But I just want to appreciate my passengers flying into Coimbatore. They were so patient and supportive,” the pilot added.

In his Instagram post, the pilot also urged travelers to show patience and understanding towards ground staff, who are working tirelessly to manage the situation. “Please be kind to our ground staff. They are trying their best to get you home,” he wrote, ending with a message of hope that the airline team will bounce back soon.

This moment of honesty and empathy has resonated with travelers and social media users alike, highlighting the human side of aviation and the challenges faced by airline crews during operational disruptions.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Delhi Airport Chaos: 205 Flights Delayed, Departures Run an Hour Late After Dust Storm

allycaralgoa

A severe dust storm swept through Delhi, causing widespread disruptions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The extreme weather conditions led to significant flight delays and diversions, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and frustrated.

Flight Disruptions
At least 205 flights were delayed, with an average departure delay of one hour. Additionally, around 50 flights were diverted from their scheduled destinations, further exacerbating the chaos. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo issued advisories to passengers, but the measures did little to alleviate the inconvenience.

Passenger Ordeals
Many passengers shared their harrowing experiences, detailing the extensive delays and logistical challenges they faced. One passenger on an Air India flight from Srinagar to Mumbai via Delhi recounted:

  • The flight was diverted to Chandigarh due to the dust storm and later returned to Delhi at 11 pm.
  • Passengers were then asked to board another flight to Mumbai at 12 am, only to wait in the aircraft for four hours before being deboarded and forced to undergo security checks again.
  • As of 8 am, the flight had still not taken off, leaving passengers stranded for over 12 hours.

A 75-year-old wheelchair-bound woman on the same flight expressed her distress, stating that she had been waiting at the airport since 11 pm, unable to land in Delhi due to the storm.

Airport Response
Airport officials acknowledged the chaos, attributing it to the diversion and cancellation of flights. The surge in passengers at the airport led to congestion and further delays.


The severe dust storm and resulting flight disruptions have highlighted the challenges faced by airports in managing extreme weather conditions. As the situation continues to unfold, passengers are advised to stay informed about flight status and plan accordingly.

#AllycaralFeature 👒

Dense Fog Disrupts Flight Operations at Delhi’s IGI Airport for Third Consecutive Day

allycaralgoa

A thick blanket of fog engulfed Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) for the third day in a row, severely impacting flight operations. The dense fog, which reduced visibility to zero for over eight hours, forced airport authorities to implement low-visibility procedures to ensure safe landings.

Challenging Conditions

The fog, which started rolling in during the early hours of the morning, showed no signs of clearing until late afternoon. With visibility near zero, air traffic controllers and pilots faced extremely challenging conditions, requiring utmost caution and precision to ensure safe takeoffs and landings.

Low-Visibility Procedures

To mitigate the risks associated with low visibility, airport authorities implemented special procedures, including:

  • Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) to guide planes to the runway
  • Reduced aircraft movement to minimize congestion
  • Increased spacing between flights to ensure safe distances
  • Enhanced communication between air traffic controllers and pilots
    Passenger Advisory

Passengers traveling through IGI Airport are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information and to plan their travel accordingly. The airport authorities are working closely with airlines and other stakeholders to minimize disruptions and ensure smooth operations.

Weather Update

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued foggy conditions in the national capital over the next few days. Passengers and travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and plan their travel accordingly.