Northern India encountered the recurring annual pre-winter event of air emergency where the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings of main pollutant PM 2.5 breached the 400-mark of “very poor” and landed the air of Delhi, Punjab and other northern cities into the “hazardous” category.

A sharp spike in Delhi's air pollution was witnessed in the past 24 hours with 30 out of 36 monitoring stations reporting a severe air quality index.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has issued an advisory amid low visibility due to thick smog and rising air pollution. The airport is following "low visibility procedures" but assured that all flight operations remain normal.

The smog comes as Delhi’s air quality continues to worsen. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) shot up to 459 at noon, falling under the 'severe' category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Air pollution choking New Delhi has ground outdoor work to a halt and disrupted air travel in the Indian capital.

Visibility in India’s capital has fallen sharply as toxic smog shrouds the city. Pushpa' star Allu Arjun beats Shah Rukh Khan, Thalapathy Vijay, Prabhas and others to become the highest-paid actor in India: Report Budget-friendly rides: Top 5 scooters for under Rs 80,

Delhi Airport is operating normally despite 'severe' air pollution and the implementation of 'Low Visibility Procedures'. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for flight updates. The city's air quality remains a concern,