Delhi Airport Chaos: 200+ Flights Delayed Amid Storms
New Delhi, May 2 — Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were severely affected Friday morning as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds battered the National Capital Region. The weather havoc led to over 200 flights being delayed and several others canceled or diverted.
According to official data, 154 departures were delayed, with the average delay stretching to over an hour. Arrivals were also affected, with 68 incoming flights experiencing delays of up to 20 minutes. At least eight flights were canceled while three had to be rerouted—two to Jaipur and one to Ahmedabad—due to unstable weather conditions.
An early morning advisory was issued at 5:30 AM by the airport operator stating:
“Due to inclement weather conditions and thunderstorms in Delhi, some flights have been impacted at Delhi Airport. Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience.”
Passengers were urged to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight statuses.
IGI Airport Advisory
While operations continued, the adverse weather created logistical challenges for airlines and passengers alike. A follow-up advisory at 8:30 AM read:
“Following the advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department this morning, we would like to confirm that the airport is operating as normal, despite some impact on flight operations due to adverse weather conditions.”
Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo acknowledged significant disruptions to their schedules. IndiGo confirmed that early morning rainfall and thunderstorms impacted several flights and that efforts were ongoing to resume normal operations.
Delhi Weather Impact
The consequences of the storm extended beyond aviation delays. In a tragic incident in Dwarka’s Kharkhari Canal village, a 26-year-old woman and her three children died when a tree collapsed on their tubewell shelter during the storm. The husband survived with minor injuries.
The India Meteorological Department had issued a red alert for the city, forecasting continued thunderstorms and strong winds throughout the day. Several parts of Delhi saw uprooted trees, severe traffic snarls, and widespread waterlogging.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta voiced her concern:
“There is a problem of waterlogging in many areas of Delhi. In some places, there are no drains; in others, the drains are clogged, and in some, the roads are damaged. Delhi is in a very bad state and needs urgent improvement.”
As the city scrambles to restore normalcy, the broader issues of infrastructure, drainage, and urban resilience have once again come under scrutiny.
