What Caused Flight Disruptions in Delhi-NCR Due to Severe Weather?
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Synopsis
Severe weather conditions wreak havoc on flight operations in Delhi-NCR, causing significant delays and diversions. Travelers are urged to confirm flight statuses as thunderstorms and heavy rains continue to impact the region. Stay informed about the ongoing weather situation and its effects on transportation.
Key Takeaways
- Flight operations in Delhi-NCR were severely impacted by adverse weather conditions.
- Average delays of 46 minutes for arrivals and 54 minutes for departures were reported.
- Airlines advised passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
- Waterlogging affected traffic in multiple areas of the national capital.
- A red alert was issued by the IMD due to expected severe thunderstorms.
New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) Flight operations were significantly affected as strong winds, thunder, lightning, and heavy rains battered Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Although the weather change provided a welcomed respite from the oppressive heat that had engulfed the area, it resulted in major disruptions to flight schedules.
The Delhi airport reported average delays of 46 minutes for arrivals and 54 minutes for departures, as per media reports referencing FlightRadar.
As the airport staff worked diligently to manage the delays and handle frustrated travelers, numerous airlines advised passengers to verify their flight statuses before traveling to the airport.
Air India noted in its statement on X, “Some of our flights to and from Delhi are experiencing delays or diversions, potentially affecting our overall flight schedule. We are striving to minimize these disruptions.”
Reports indicate that around 40 flights were diverted and nearly 100 flights faced delays due to the adverse weather conditions marked by heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and thunder.
Traffic in the national capital was also severely disrupted, as morning commuters encountered waterlogging in several areas, including Dwarka, Khanpur, South Extension Ring Road, Minto Road, Lajpat Nagar, and Moti Bagh.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi, warning of severe thunderstorms and squally winds of 70 to 80 kmph expected in the following hours. An intense cloud mass swept over the city, causing stormy conditions, with the Palam station recording winds of up to 74 kmph.
The IMD’s weekly forecast anticipates thunderstorms with rain to persist through Saturday.
Previously, the IMD had forecast moderate to intense rainfall, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds ranging from 40 to 90 km/h, likely to continue across various areas on Friday, including Delhi-NCR.
Regions affected also encompass parts of Haryana (Yamunanagar, Karnal, Safidon, Panipat, Sohana, Palwal, Nuh, Aurangabad, Hodal), Uttar Pradesh (Gangoh, Shamli, Kandhla, Nandgaon, Barsana, Raya, Hathras, Mathura, Sadabad, Agra, Jajau), and Rajasthan (Bhiwari, Deeg, Bharatpur).
A new, active Western disturbance is set to influence northwest India starting from May 2. This will bring light to moderate rainfall along with heavy winds and lightning to Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
The IMD also indicated that dust storms accompanied by gusty winds are probable in isolated areas over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
Furthermore, the IMD has predicted rainfall and snowfall in parts of Himachal Pradesh.
Point of View
It's evident that the recent adverse weather conditions have highlighted the vulnerability of our transportation systems. While the IMD's warnings were in place, the significant impact on daily commuters and air travel serves as a reminder of the need for better preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of such natural events.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flight disruptions in Delhi-NCR?
Severe weather conditions including strong winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall led to significant flight delays and diversions.
How long were the flight delays reported at Delhi airport?
Average delays were reported at 46 minutes for arrivals and 54 minutes for departures.
Which airlines were affected by the weather conditions?
Various airlines, including Air India, reported delays and diversions due to the adverse weather.
What areas in Delhi-NCR experienced waterlogging?
Areas such as Dwarka, Khanpur, South Extension Ring Road, Minto Road, Lajpat Nagar, and Moti Bagh faced significant waterlogging.
What is the IMD's forecast for the coming days?
The IMD predicts continued thunderstorms and rainfall, with a possibility of further disruptions.
