Over 350 Flights Delayed at Delhi Airport Amid Severe Congestion
On April 12, 2025, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) witnessed massive flight disruptions as over 350 flights were delayed due to unprecedented air traffic congestion. Departing flights experienced average delays exceeding 40 minutes, leaving terminals overcrowded and passengers visibly distressed. Many took to social media to voice their frustration, sharing images of long queues and chaotic boarding areas.
Flight Congestion
The disruption originated on the evening of April 11, when a dust storm accompanied by strong winds and rainfall swept through Delhi and surrounding regions. The adverse weather triggered cascading delays—439 incoming and 507 outgoing flights were affected on Friday alone. Further compounding the problem, one of the airport’s four runways was already shut for maintenance, placing added pressure on the remaining three operational runways to handle a saturated traffic load.
Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India issued advisories confirming delays across their schedules due to ongoing air traffic congestion. IndiGo specifically stated that many of its flights were being held up waiting for clearance to take off or land, disrupting its entire network.
IGI Disruptions
The aftermath of the storm continued to ripple into the following day, keeping flight operations partially crippled even as the weather cleared. While officials confirmed that air traffic was gradually stabilizing, the backlog from the previous day’s storm meant that delays continued into Saturday. Passengers remained stranded, citing a lack of clear communication from airline staff and ground services.
The India Meteorological Department had earlier issued an ‘orange alert’ for Delhi, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. The storm left a trail of uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure, and power outages across parts of the capital, indirectly impacting airport access and logistics.
As the airport struggles to normalize operations, travelers have been advised to stay updated with their respective airlines and arrive early to manage any residual delays. The situation has reignited debate over infrastructure readiness at one of India’s busiest airports, especially during weather-related emergencies.
