New Delhi: Heavy rainfall in the national capital on Tuesday evening led to major disruptions in air traffic, with 15 flights diverted from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport to nearby cities. According to airport authorities, eight flights were diverted to Jaipur, five to Lucknow, and two to Chandigarh due to low visibility and severe weather conditions.
Rain batters Delhi, air and road travel hit
Intermittent rain began early in the morning and continued through the day, intensifying in the evening. After a short lull in the afternoon, dark clouds and heavy downpour returned, creating chaos for both commuters and travellers. Several areas of Delhi, including parts of South Delhi, Dwarka, and Lajpat Nagar, witnessed waterlogging and traffic snarls, further worsening the situation.
Airport issues advisory amid weather chaos
In a statement, the Delhi Airport Authority warned passengers of possible delays and diversions due to the weather.
“Due to adverse weather conditions in Delhi, flight operations at Delhi Airport may be impacted. Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience,” the statement read.
The airport authority also urged passengers to check with their respective airlines for updated flight statuses before heading to the airport. To avoid road congestion, passengers were advised to use the Delhi Metro instead of private vehicles or cabs.
IMD issues yellow and orange alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier forecasted rainfall for the day, issuing yellow and orange alerts for Delhi and its adjoining regions, including Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad. The IMD cautioned residents about moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by light thunderstorms and lightning.
Officials from the weather department said that the current spell of rain is part of a western disturbance passing over northern India. The system has caused significant moisture build-up, resulting in widespread showers across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Traffic snarls and commuter woes
The rain also led to massive traffic congestion across the city. Major choke points were reported on NH-48, Ring Road, and the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway, with vehicles moving at a snail’s pace during the evening rush hour. Many commuters took to social media to share visuals of flooded roads and stranded vehicles, urging authorities to deploy pumps to clear stagnant water.
The Delhi Traffic Police issued multiple advisories throughout the day, warning motorists of slippery roads and low visibility. In one post on X (formerly Twitter), the department advised residents to plan their journeys in advance and avoid low-lying areas.
Delhi’s recurring monsoon challenge
This is not the first time Delhi’s flight operations have been hit by rain this season. In recent months, the capital has witnessed frequent disruptions caused by heavy downpours, with passengers reporting delays and diversions due to inadequate drainage infrastructure around the airport premises.
Urban experts have repeatedly highlighted the city’s poor stormwater management system, noting that even moderate rainfall can overwhelm drainage lines and disrupt transport services.
Conclusion
With the monsoon season nearing its end, the latest spell of rain has once again highlighted Delhi’s infrastructure challenges in handling extreme weather. The IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall over the next 24 hours, after which conditions are expected to improve.
For now, passengers have been urged to stay updated with airline notifications and factor in extra travel time when heading to the airport.