Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on February 14, 2026, inaugurated 120 mist spray systems installed by GMR Group at Indira Gandhi International Airport, marking a significant infrastructure addition aimed at reducing air pollution Delhi residents and airport users face daily. The installation targets dust suppression across terminals and approach roads as part of the capital’s broader air quality management strategy impacting Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) today readings.
Gupta described the initiative as critical to achieving “Clear Air, Clean Delhi” through public-private partnerships. The systems are expected to improve air quality for the over 70 million annual passengers passing through what she noted could become the world’s fifth-largest airport.
Why This Matters Today
The deployment addresses localized pollution levels at one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs during a transition period when NCR air quality typically shows improvement but construction activity and dust storms intensify. Airport operations generate significant particulate matter through vehicular emissions from taxis and buses, construction dust, and ground handling activities affecting both workers and travelers.
The timing coincides with the government’s pre-summer pollution control push. Families traveling with children, elderly passengers, and individuals with respiratory conditions stand to benefit from reduced dust exposure in terminal surroundings and parking facilities.
How the Technology Works
Each mist spray unit releases fine water droplets that bind with suspended dust particles, causing them to settle without creating waterlogging or disrupting airport operations. The technology specifically targets PM10 and PM2.5 pollutants through automatic activation based on real-time dust monitoring sensors installed across the facility.
Airport officials confirmed the infrastructure uses recycled water from the airport’s treatment plant. The 120-pole installation covers parking areas, construction zones, service roads, and open spaces where dust generation peaks during dry weather. Future expansion plans aim to increase deployment to 600 poles to strengthen dust control in and around airport premises.
What Authorities Said
Gupta emphasized that the Delhi government is implementing short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies to combat pollution levels across the capital. She noted mist spray systems had already been deployed on major roads and at 143 elevated Metro stations citywide.
The Chief Minister highlighted that real-time air quality monitoring now operates at 46 Delhi Metro stations, which she called the largest such network in any Indian city. The ‘Vayu Rakshak‘ initiative ensures stricter enforcement of pollution control norms across Delhi.
Delhi Pollution Control Committee officials acknowledged the installation as a positive measure for controlling localized pollution. They referenced data showing similar mist spray systems at construction sites have achieved 30-40% reduction in dust concentrations within immediate vicinity during operational hours.
What This Means for Travelers
Passengers using IGI Airport can expect cleaner air in outdoor waiting areas, parking facilities, and approach roads. The system particularly benefits those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or other respiratory conditions who experience acute symptoms during high pollution exposure episodes.
Taxi and auto drivers operating from airport terminals will face reduced occupational dust exposure during work shifts. Airport employees in outdoor zones, cargo handlers, and ground staff stand to benefit from improved ambient air quality. However, the system’s impact remains localized to airport premises and does not significantly affect broader pollution levels across NCR.
Delhi CM Inaugurates 120 Mist Spray Systems: What Happens Next
Delhi International Airport Limited plans to monitor system performance over the next three months through installed air quality sensors. Data will inform potential expansion to additional airport zones and operational hour adjustments based on seasonal pollution patterns.
Gupta outlined future government plans including full electrification of Delhi’s public bus fleet by 2029, expanded Metro network, strengthened electric vehicle charging infrastructure, deployment of over 1,000 water sprinklers, and AI-based dust monitoring at construction sites.
Travelers should continue checking Delhi AQI today before airport visits, particularly during early morning and evening hours when pollution levels typically peak. Using terminal air-conditioned facilities and minimizing outdoor waiting time remains advisable during poor air quality episodes.
I’am Siddharth a Air pollution analysts are environmental expert who collect, analyze, and interpret air quality data to identify pollutant sources & develop solutions for reducing atmospheric contamination.