Severe Storm Disrupts Air Travel in Delhi: 49 Flights Diverted, Dozens Delayed Overnight
A powerful storm in Delhi caused major air travel disruptions with 49 flights diverted and several delayed overnight. Passengers stranded as visibility dropped and operations halted at IGI Airport.
New Delhi, May 24, 2025:
A powerful thunderstorm swept through the National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday night, leading to widespread disruption in air travel at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. According to officials, at least 49 flights were diverted and dozens more faced significant delays as high winds and lightning caused chaos for passengers and airport staff alike.
The storm, which began around 9:30 PM, brought with it strong gusts of wind, heavy rain, and low visibility, severely impacting flight operations. Airlines struggled to maintain schedules as incoming aircraft were rerouted to nearby airports, including Jaipur, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad.
Airport authorities confirmed that operations were suspended intermittently for safety reasons. “The storm affected runway visibility and aircraft movement. Our top priority was ensuring passenger safety,” an official at IGI Airport stated.
Several passengers took to social media, expressing frustration and anxiety over extended delays and lack of communication from airline staff. “We’ve been sitting in the aircraft for over two hours. No updates, no refreshments. The situation is really difficult,” tweeted a stranded passenger onboard a domestic flight scheduled to land in Delhi.
Domestic and international flights alike were affected. According to the Air Traffic Control (ATC) unit, international carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa had to either delay take-offs or divert landings to alternate airports.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an advance warning of thunderstorms and high wind speeds for Delhi and surrounding areas. However, the intensity of the storm exceeded expectations. Gusts were recorded at speeds of up to 70 km/h, accompanied by lightning and intense rainfall.
Authorities worked through the night to restore normalcy. By early Saturday morning, conditions began to stabilize, and flight operations gradually resumed, though residual delays continued into the day.
The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) issued an advisory early Saturday urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Additional staff and security personnel were deployed to manage the growing number of stranded travelers.
Experts point out that such weather-related disruptions are likely to increase in frequency due to shifting climate patterns. “Urban areas like Delhi are now more prone to extreme weather events. It’s crucial for infrastructure systems to be resilient and adaptive,” said Ananya Menon, a climate researcher.
As of Saturday afternoon, airport officials confirmed that all runways were operational, but urged travelers to stay updated via airline websites and airport helplines.
This incident highlights the urgent need for improved real-time communication systems and better storm preparedness in one of the country’s busiest airports.
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