NewKerala.com

Key Points

Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall have created significant challenges for flight operations in Delhi-NCR. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert warning of intense wind speeds between 70-80 kmph. Approximately 40 flights were diverted and around 100 delayed due to the extreme weather conditions. Commuters also experienced widespread waterlogging in multiple areas of the national capital.

Key Points: Delhi-NCR Flights Disrupted by Severe Thunderstorms and Rains

  • Severe weather impacts 40 flights with nearly 100 delays
  • IMD warns of winds up to 80 kmph
  • Multiple regions in North India affected by storm
2 min read

Flight operations hit as strong winds, heavy rains lash Delhi-NCR

Intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall cause significant flight delays and diversions across Delhi-NCR, with IMD issuing red alert for severe weather conditions

"Some of our flights to and from Delhi are being delayed or diverted - Air India Statement"

New Delhi, May 2

Flight operations were hit as strong winds, thunder, lightning and heavy rains lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Even though the change in weather brought a welcome relief from the heat that had gripped the region, flight operations were severely impacted.

The Delhi airport witnessed average delays of 46 minutes for arrivals and 54 minutes for departures, media reports said quoting FlightRadar.

While the Delhi airport and the ground staff tried to manage the delays and irate passengers, many airlines urged travellers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.

"Some of our flights to and from Delhi are being delayed or diverted, which is likely to impact our overall flight schedule. We are doing our best to minimize disruptions," Air India said in its statement on X.

According to media reports as many as 40 flights were diverted and nearly 100 delayed by the heavy rainfall that was accompanied by gusty winds and thunder.

Traffic in the national Capital was also thrown out of gear as morning commuters faced waterlogging in many areas like 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 between 70 and 80 kmph over the next few hours. An intense cloud mass passed over the city, triggering stormy conditions, with Palam station reporting winds of up to 74 kmph.

According to the IMD's weekly forecast, thunderstorms with rain are expected on Saturday also.

Earlier, the IMD predicted that moderate to intense rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40-90 km/hr, are likely to continue in several areas on Friday, including Delhi-NCR.

Affected regions also included 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 fresh and active Western disturbance is likely to impact northwest India from May 2. Under its influence, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will experience light to moderate rainfall coupled with heavy winds and lightning.

The IMD earlier said a dust storm accompanied with gusty winds is also very likely at isolated places over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan.

The IMD also predicted rainfall and snowfall in parts of Himachal Pradesh.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is why we need better infrastructure at Delhi airport! Every year same story during monsoon. They should have covered walkways and more sheltered waiting areas. Passengers shouldn't suffer like this 😤
P
Priya M.
Was stuck at T3 for 3 hours today! At least the rain brought some relief from the heat. But airlines need better communication - we were given 5 different updates about our flight status. Complete chaos! 😅
A
Amit S.
IMD's red alert came too late. Many people had already left for work when the storm hit. Our weather forecasting needs to be more proactive, especially during extreme weather seasons.
S
Sunita R.
Waterlogging in Delhi is an annual shame. Crores spent on drainage systems but same areas flood every year - Dwarka, Lajpat Nagar etc. When will our municipal corporations wake up? 🌧️
V
Vikram J.
While delays are frustrating, safety should come first. Better to be delayed than have accidents in such strong winds. Kudos to pilots and ATC for handling this tough situation professionally. ✈️
N
Neha P.
The real heroes are the ground staff dealing with angry passengers in this weather! Saw one airline staff member running between gates with updates despite being drenched. They deserve more appreciation 🙏
K
Karan D.
Climate change is making these extreme weather events more frequent. Delhi needs long-term solutions, not just temporary fixes. More trees, better drainage, and heat-resistant infrastructure should be priorities.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50