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Haze Shrouds Singapore: Air Quality Hits 'Very Unhealthy'
16 Oct
Summary
- Milky haze from Indonesian fires blankets Singapore's skyline.
- Air quality reached 'very unhealthy' levels, highest this year.
- Flights disrupted and outdoor events canceled due to poor visibility.
Singapore, a prominent Southeast Asian financial center, is currently enveloped in a milky haze originating from wildfires in neighboring Indonesia. This atmospheric pollution has persisted for weeks, with recent days seeing a significant deterioration in air quality.
On Friday, October 13, 2026, pollution readings across parts of Singapore climbed to "very unhealthy" levels, marking the highest point of the year. This elevated PSI has been present since October 5, 2026, indicating twelve consecutive days of poor air quality, a situation not seen since a 14-day period in 2015.
The deteriorating visibility has led to disruptions in air travel, causing diversions and cancellations at the smaller Seletar Airport, although the main Changi Airport remains operational. In response to the health risks, Singapore's public sports operator temporarily closed all outdoor and non-air-conditioned sports facilities on Friday.
Outdoor events have also been impacted. The ISCA Run, scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2026, at Gardens by the Bay, was canceled, affecting nearly 3,000 registered runners, including young participants in the family event. Organizers cited unpredictable air conditions and runner safety as primary concerns.
