Bhubaneswar, Dec. 15 -- Delhi airport and major airlines issued travel advisories on Monday as thick smog and dense winter fog engulfed the national capital, severely reducing visibility and threatening to disrupt flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

The hazardous conditions stemmed from persistently poor air quality, with Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at a 'severe' 454 at 7:05 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app. The reading followed an AQI of 461 on Sunday, marking the second-worst air quality day recorded in December.

In view of the deteriorating visibility, Delhi airport issued a travel advisory warning passengers of possible delays and disruptions....