Heavy rain disrupts Delhi airport operations; 13 flights diverted, dozens of delays.

Heavy Rain Disrupts Delhi Airport Operations; 13 Flights Diverted, Dozens DelayedNew Delhi, 23rd May 2025 — Operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were significantly disrupted on Saturday night as heavy rain, thunderstorms, and a sudden dust storm lashed the national capital region. The adverse weather conditions forced the diversion of 13 flights and caused delays in dozens more, impacting airlines and passengers both domestically and internationally.

13 Flights Diverted Amid Severe Weather

According to reports, as the thunderstorm and rain intensified over Delhi-NCR, visibility at IGI Airport deteriorated considerably. The challenging weather situation made safe landings difficult, prompting air traffic control to divert at least 13 incoming flights to alternative airports. Airlines affected by the diversions included both domestic and international carriers.

Widespread Flight Delays and Passenger Hardship

The effect was not limited to diverted flights. The weather-induced chaos led to over a hundred flights facing significant delays. Passengers reported longer-than-usual waits at the airport as airline schedules were upended across the board. Leading carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Singapore Airlines were among those that faced operational challenges due to the sudden storm.

The storm’s impact was compounded by disruptions in other forms of transport and services. Delhi Metro operations also experienced delays, and power cuts were reported in several parts of the city, further complicating the travel experience for many commuters.

Severe Weather Hits Delhi-NCR

The heavy rain and thunderstorm were part of a broader weather event that swept across Delhi-NCR late Saturday evening. The abrupt change in weather brought strong winds, lightning, and reduced visibility, leading to localized flooding and traffic congestion in several areas. According to officials, at least two fatalities were reported in the city as a result of the storm.

Airport Operations Resume

After several hours of disruption, the weather improved, and conditions at IGI Airport returned to normal. Delhi airport authorities confirmed that operations had resumed safely once visibility and weather parameters met the required standards. Airlines began re-routing diverted flights back to Delhi and worked to mitigate the backlog caused by the delays.

Authorities urged passengers to check with their airlines for the latest updates and arrival times, as it took several hours for the flight schedules to fully normalize.

Safety Measures and Alerts

The events highlight the impact that severe weather can have on air travel in Delhi, especially during seasonal transitions. Airport officials reiterated their commitment to passenger safety, emphasizing that diversions and delays, though inconvenient, are sometimes necessary to ensure safe operations.

Travelers planning to fly during periods of expected bad weather are advised to stay updated via official airport and airline communication channels.

Broader Disruption Across Delhi

Beyond the airport, the storm led to widespread disruptions in the capital. Besides flight and metro delays, city traffic slowed significantly due to waterlogged roads and fallen trees in some localities.

As the monsoon season approaches, authorities and airlines are likely to remain on high alert for further weather-related incidents. Passengers are encouraged to plan for potential delays and monitor weather advisories closely.