Travel sector left gasping for air as AQI rises

As winter approaches the National Capital, New Delhi has once again been left stranded gasping for air as the quality has receded to a concerning low. The thick toxic smog has engulfed the city with dangerously low levels of visibility affecting day-to-day lives. The daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) rose sharply to 457 on November 17, 2024, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on the issue, stated, “Keeping in view the prevailing trend of deteriorating air quality of Delhi-NCR, and to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the sub-committee today has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of GRAP – ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (Delhi’s AQI > 450), wef November 18, 2024 in the entire NCR.”

The travel and tourism sector isn’t repellent to the adverse effects of smog either as according to data provided by Flightradar24, over 160 flights have been delayed, including 118 departures and 43 arrivals, with the average departure delay clocking in at 22 minutes. Various airlines including IndiGo and Spicejet have issued statements regarding operational inadequacies due to the alarmingly low level of visibility.

“Fog is currently affecting visibility in Delhi, which may result in slow moving traffic and delays in flight schedules. We recommend allowing extra travel time and checking flight status before starting your journey,” stated Indigo on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

Spicejet took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to inform passengers about the situation. “Due to poor visibility in Delhi (DEL), all departures/ arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status,” stated the airline.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) has also confirmed that the airport has been operating under low visibility procedures, though flight operations have remained normal. It has recommended that passengers contact their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight timings. The airport typically handles around 1,400 flight movements daily, and any disruptions could cause a sudden surge in delays across the airline network.

However, despite efforts to restrain the hazardous level of smog in the surrounding region, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted moderate to dense fog for the next 24 hours, which will continue to affect air travel and visibility. The dense fog is expected to persist through Monday, further complicating operations at the airport. The complication is not only affecting operations at the airport, it also severely affects the travel and tourism sector as according to ASSOCHAM, tourists opt for cleaner destinations instead of Delhi even during the peak tourist season.

Although the facts and figures remain foggy like the weather in the region, AQI’s data sheds light on the travel and tourism sector’s struggle to attract tourists and maintain operational efficiency. According to a study by the World Bank, air pollution is costing India’s tourism sector $1.7 billion every year. The study found that air pollution is deterring tourists from visiting India, and it is also causing them to shorten their stay. The decline in tourist arrivals is leading to a loss of revenue for the tourism sector. This is impacting hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and other businesses that rely on tourism.

As the people strive for cleaner air to breathe the travel and tourism industry also scrambles to maintain its flow going into the winter circuit. Delayed flights, low visibility, operational challenges and hazardous smog is making life difficult for the tourism sector.