Delhi’s skies and roads have been battered by an intense bout of monsoon showers, prompting travel advisories from airlines and Delhi’s airline hub, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert, authorities have urged passengers to monitor flight status and allow extra travel time amid widespread disruptions.
Airlines including SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India have issued warnings stating flight schedules may be affected by severe weather in Delhi. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status via airline apps or websites and to consider early departure due to waterlogged roads hampering airport commutes. IGI itself has confirmed that although operations remain technically normal, the prevailing rain and traffic challenges may delay passengers en route to the terminal. The airport specifically recommended travellers use the Delhi Metro to avoid road congestion.
On July 9, heavy downpours and thunderstorms led to at least six domestic flight diversions—four to Jaipur and two to Lucknow. An estimated over 300 flights were delayed, with average delays of 38 minutes, as IGI grappled with a backlog of aircraft movements. Road conditions during the monsoon intensified travel woes: several areas across Delhi and NCR—such as Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon—witnessed flash floods and traffic jams up to 3–4 feet deep, leaving commuters stranded and cascading into airport arrival delays.
IMD data recorded Najafgarh receiving over 60 mm of rain within a few hours, alongside heavy showers at Pragati Maidan, Pusa, and other locations. The unusually high rainfall significantly improved Delhi’s air quality but brought visibility and mobility challenges. Transport and aviation experts note that the dual pressures of inclement weather and ongoing runway upgrades—including the closure of one runway for ILS CAT III B installation—have considerably strained IGI’s capacity. While the upgrade aims to enhance long-term safety in low-visibility conditions, it temporarily constrains operational flexibility.
As the city braces for lighter rainfall over the coming days, officials stress vigilance remains key. Airline and airport advisories underscore passenger responsibility in making informed travel decisions—suggesting arrival well before departure times, checking status updates, and using public transport over congested roads. While weather-related disruptions are short term, the situation highlights the need for resilient infrastructure and better urban flood management to protect essential transport services under monsoon stress.
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