Air passengers arriving into Delhi experienced significant disruption on Sunday evening as a sudden and severe dust storm, accompanied by powerful winds, forced an IndiGo flight from Raipur to abort its landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
This incident, which saw Flight 6E 6313 perform a go-around due to reported wind speeds of up to 80 km/h, underscores the increasing vulnerability of urban air traffic operations to rapidly changing climate patterns, particularly during the pre-monsoon season in North India. The near-landing incident occurred as parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) were engulfed by the dust storm, which was shortly followed by light rain. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier forecast thunderstorms and gusty winds, anticipating speeds of up to 50 km/h from an east-southeastward moving cloud cluster.
However, the intensity witnessed during the incident far exceeded these predictions, highlighting the unpredictable nature of localised extreme weather events in a changing climate. The aircraft safely landed after circling for a period, once weather conditions improved, mitigating what could have been a more severe outcome.
The immediate aftermath saw widespread disruption at Delhi airport, India’s busiest aviation hub. According to sources, four flights were diverted between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM, with one each rerouted to Chandigarh and Amritsar, and two to Jaipur. Moreover, Flightradar24.com data indicated that over 350 flights were delayed throughout the evening, transforming IGI Airport into one of its most chaotic operational periods. This cascade of delays and diversions not only impacted passenger schedules but also placed immense strain on airport infrastructure and airline logistics, revealing the systemic fragility inherent in high-volume air traffic management during unpredictable weather.
The broader context of this event aligns with recent meteorological observations. Kerala has experienced its earliest monsoon onset since 2009, and the IMD has issued a forecast for above-normal rainfall across India for the 2025 monsoon season. These trends suggest a potential increase in the frequency and intensity of pre-monsoon and monsoon-related weather phenomena, including dust storms and gusty winds, which pose significant challenges to aviation safety and operational efficiency. For urban centres like Delhi, which rely heavily on air connectivity for economic activity and passenger movement, adapting to these climatic shifts becomes paramount.
Moving forward, the incident necessitates a re-evaluation of current weather forecasting models, airport operational protocols, and pilot training for extreme weather scenarios. While safety procedures like go-arounds are standard, the sheer volume of disrupted flights and diversions points to a need for enhanced real-time weather intelligence and more agile air traffic control strategies. Investing in resilient airport infrastructure, integrating advanced meteorological systems, and fostering greater collaboration between aviation authorities and climate scientists will be crucial. This proactive approach is essential not only for ensuring passenger safety and operational continuity but also for reinforcing the reliability of air travel as a cornerstone of modern urban mobility in an era defined by evolving climate patterns.
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