New Delhi, Dec 16: Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport faced massive disruptions on Tuesday due to severe air pollution and dense fog, leading to the cancellation of 228 flights and delays for nearly 400 others. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached the "Severe" category, and visibility dropped to just 50 meters, bringing air traffic to a near standstill.

Thousands of passengers were stranded, with flights to major domestic destinations like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Lucknow, as well as several international routes, experiencing significant delays. The situation caused widespread uncertainty and frustration for travellers.

Prominent personalities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and football legend Lionel Messi, also faced flight delays due to the poor visibility. Airport authorities have warned that flight operations could remain affected for the coming days as dense fog continues to persist in the region.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Supreme Court expressed concern, and the Delhi government moved classes for students from nursery to Class V to online mode until conditions improve. The situation remains critical as the city battles ongoing pollution and fog.