New Delhi, Dec. 27 -- Smog returned to Delhi-NCR on Saturday morning as multiple locations witnessed 'Severe' air quality. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded to be 359 at 11:05 AM, falling in 'Very poor' range. The short-lived relief from toxic air quality came to an end on 26 December when the city registered 333 AQI, with primary pollutants being PM10 and PM2.5.

Thick smog and hazardous air reduced visibility considerably, impacting flight operations and disrupting day to day life. Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport reported 51% delayed departures on Saturday at 11:00 AM with average departure delay time being around 17 minutes, according to flightradar24 data.

As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, 7...