Sudden Delhi thundershower, storm hit over 100 flights; passengers slam flight delay
According to FlightRadar data, the Delhi airport experienced average delays of 21 minutes for arrivals and 61 minutes for departures.
- May 2, 2025,
- Updated May 2, 2025 5:58 PM IST
This morning, strong winds, dust storms, and heavy rains in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) caused approximately 200 flights to be delayed. Ahead of their scheduled arrival at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport, three flights were diverted to Ahmedabad and Jaipur. Among the flights diverted to Jaipur were a Bangalore-Delhi and a Pune-Delhi route. According to FlightRadar data, the Delhi airport experienced average delays of 21 minutes for arrivals and 61 minutes for departures.
The early-morning thunderstorms disrupted air traffic in Delhi, sparking frustration among passengers, including one who took to the social media platform X to vent over a two-hour delay in their Air India flight.
“Every @airindia flight seems to be delayed by 1-2 hours—zero respect for passengers' time. No improvement, no accountability. It's shameful that we compare ourselves to Pakistan instead of China who is 100 years ahead of us,” the passenger wrote in a post. In another follow-up, the user added, “And the tragedy is non-refundable tickets and no compensation for wasting passengers' time.”
Air India responded to the complaint on X, saying, “Dear Mr. Rana, the flight is delayed due to adverse weather conditions in Delhi. Please be assured that the safety of our passengers remains our highest priority. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding.”
Later on, the airline said that most airlines were affected due to the adverse weather conditions.
The Delhi airport ground staff have assured passengers of their efforts in providing a seamless experience despite the challenging weather conditions. Airlines have also encouraged passengers to check the latest status of their flights before heading to the airport.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) also issued a statement confirming the weather-induced delays: “Due to inclement weather conditions and thunderstorms in Delhi, some flights have been impacted at Delhi Airport. Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience.”
In a later update, DIAL said, “The thunderstorm has passed. However, there is some impact on flight operations due to adverse weather conditions. All stakeholders are working together to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience.”
The weather, while offering a break from Delhi’s oppressive heat, led to widespread waterlogging, fallen trees, and disruptions in both air and ground transport across NCR. DIAL and Air India have advised travellers to check directly with airlines for real-time flight updates.
This morning, strong winds, dust storms, and heavy rains in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) caused approximately 200 flights to be delayed. Ahead of their scheduled arrival at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport, three flights were diverted to Ahmedabad and Jaipur. Among the flights diverted to Jaipur were a Bangalore-Delhi and a Pune-Delhi route. According to FlightRadar data, the Delhi airport experienced average delays of 21 minutes for arrivals and 61 minutes for departures.
The early-morning thunderstorms disrupted air traffic in Delhi, sparking frustration among passengers, including one who took to the social media platform X to vent over a two-hour delay in their Air India flight.
“Every @airindia flight seems to be delayed by 1-2 hours—zero respect for passengers' time. No improvement, no accountability. It's shameful that we compare ourselves to Pakistan instead of China who is 100 years ahead of us,” the passenger wrote in a post. In another follow-up, the user added, “And the tragedy is non-refundable tickets and no compensation for wasting passengers' time.”
Air India responded to the complaint on X, saying, “Dear Mr. Rana, the flight is delayed due to adverse weather conditions in Delhi. Please be assured that the safety of our passengers remains our highest priority. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding.”
Later on, the airline said that most airlines were affected due to the adverse weather conditions.
The Delhi airport ground staff have assured passengers of their efforts in providing a seamless experience despite the challenging weather conditions. Airlines have also encouraged passengers to check the latest status of their flights before heading to the airport.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) also issued a statement confirming the weather-induced delays: “Due to inclement weather conditions and thunderstorms in Delhi, some flights have been impacted at Delhi Airport. Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience.”
In a later update, DIAL said, “The thunderstorm has passed. However, there is some impact on flight operations due to adverse weather conditions. All stakeholders are working together to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience.”
The weather, while offering a break from Delhi’s oppressive heat, led to widespread waterlogging, fallen trees, and disruptions in both air and ground transport across NCR. DIAL and Air India have advised travellers to check directly with airlines for real-time flight updates.