NEW DELHI – June 18, 2025 – As relentless monsoon showers sweep across North India, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), Delhi, has issued an urgent travel advisory warning of flight delays and diversions. The alert follows a red warning from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) due to severe weather, including thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, and wind speeds reaching up to 70 kmph.
The monsoon has fully taken hold of the National Capital Region (NCR), triggering major disruptions to air travel just as summer travel peaks. Authorities have urged all passengers flying in or out of Delhi to check real-time updates with their airlines, as flight schedules remain volatile due to worsening weather.
IMD Issues Red Alert: Thunderstorms and Strong Winds Take Hold
The IMD red alert, issued on Monday, marked a significant escalation in weather risk for Delhi and nearby cities including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram. The advisory indicated the possibility of hailstorms, lightning strikes, and wind gusts between 50 and 70 kmph, posing a direct threat to aviation safety and infrastructure.
By Tuesday afternoon, twelve flights were diverted within a single hour—from 3 PM to 4 PM—underscoring the operational challenges caused by the rapidly deteriorating weather. Waterlogged runways, poor visibility, and strong crosswinds made it unsafe for aircraft to land, forcing diversions to alternative airports in Jaipur, Lucknow, and Chandigarh.
Heavy Rainfall Engulfs Northern India
Northern India has been battling moderate to heavy rainfall, with intense showers causing road flooding, traffic gridlocks, and transportation delays. For travelers heading to or from IGI Airport, road access was also affected, with low-lying areas in Delhi witnessing water accumulation and slower commute times.
Meteorological officials have confirmed that the current monsoon surge could extend for another 24 to 48 hours, keeping Delhi under continued red alert conditions. The high wind velocity further complicates air traffic movement, especially during takeoff and landing, increasing the likelihood of continued delays and potential suspensions.
Weather Disruptions Extend Beyond Delhi
The monsoon system affecting Delhi is part of a broader weather pattern currently impacting several Indian states. The IMD has forecast light to moderate rains across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and East Rajasthan, with isolated heavy showers in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, and parts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal.
These widespread weather conditions are expected to test the resilience of transportation networks, especially during this peak travel window, when passenger volumes are high due to summer holidays and upcoming religious events.
Delhi Airport’s Advisory: Travel Smart, Stay Safe
In light of these developments, Delhi Airport authorities have urged travelers to:
- Confirm flight status with their airline before heading to the airport
- Arrive early to accommodate potential delays at check-in and security
- Use airline mobile apps and SMS alerts for real-time schedule updates
- Prepare for last-minute changes, including gate switches and cancellations
- Avoid non-essential travel during severe weather hours
Airport officials, in collaboration with airlines, air traffic control, and ground staff, are working around the clock to mitigate disruptions and prioritize passenger safety.
Ground-Level Impact: Waterlogging and Low Visibility
The rains have also slowed down ground operations, with baggage handling and refueling services affected by waterlogged service roads within the airport campus. Several airline schedules were reshuffled, and priority was given to international long-haul flights with connecting itineraries.
Travelers reported long queues, rescheduled boarding times, and increased demand for airport lounges as wait times grew. Airport taxi services also saw delays, with many ride-hailing apps reflecting surge pricing due to limited vehicle availability in flooded areas.
Monsoon Season: Balancing Rain Relief and Travel Risk
While the monsoon is a lifeline for India’s agriculture and water security, it often comes at a logistical cost, especially in urban centers like Delhi. The dual challenge of managing heavy rainfall and maintaining uninterrupted air travel continues to be a seasonal balancing act.
In recent years, infrastructure upgrades at IGI Airport, including advanced drainage systems and upgraded weather radar systems, have helped improve monsoon preparedness. However, intense localized storms still have the potential to disrupt even the best-laid contingency plans.
Preparing for Monsoon Travel: Key Tips for Flyers
Travel experts recommend that passengers flying during the Indian monsoon season keep the following in mind:
- Travel Insurance: Opt for policies covering weather-related cancellations and delays.
- Flexible Itineraries: Choose changeable tickets with minimal rescheduling fees.
- Buffer Time: Leave room for unexpected delays when booking connecting flights.
- Check IMD Alerts: Stay informed via official channels such as www.imd.gov.in or the IMD mobile app.
- Keep Essentials Handy: Carry chargers, medications, and snacks, especially for families with children or elderly travelers.
Conclusion: Vigilance Is Key Amid Weather Volatility
As India’s monsoon season gains momentum, the Delhi Airport advisory serves as a crucial reminder for air travelers to remain cautious, flexible, and well-informed. With more storms likely in the weeks ahead, passenger awareness and preparation will be vital to minimizing the impact of weather-related disruptions.
While the IMD continues to monitor the system closely, travelers flying in or out of the Delhi-NCR region should prepare for changing conditions and stay connected with airline updates. For now, safety remains the top priority as authorities work to navigate the challenges posed by nature’s most dynamic season.
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