More than 6,000 schools in India close after air quality reaches levels 10 times worse than reigning pollution champion Beijing.
Citing toxic smog that one official said has turned India’s capital city into a “gas chamber,” United Airlines has cancelled flights to New Delhi until the air gets better.
At least in United’s eyes, the Indian capital’s smog concerns are on par with environmental disasters such as hurricanes and volcanoes — a risk to be avoided. The company said it was letting passengers switch flights without charge or helping them find seats on other carriers.
It was unclear if other airlines would follow suit. Virgin Atlantic, KLM and Etihad Airways all compete for business to New Delhi, according to CNN Money.
An advisory on United’s website said travel to New Delhi was suspended through at least Tuesday.
“United has temporarily suspended our Newark-Delhi flights due to poor air quality concerns in Delhi and currently has waiver policies in place for customers who are travelling to, from or through Delhi,” the company said in an email.
“We are monitoring advisories as the region remains under a public health emergency, and are co-ordinating with respective government agencies.”
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