Passengers at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi faced massive delays and disruptions to their journeys from Friday evening till Saturday morning due to a dust storm and rainfall in the National Capital on Friday evening.
According to Flightradar24, a live flight-tracking website, 439 arriving flights and 507 departing flights were delayed on Friday. As of Saturday noon, 40 per cent of the departing flights from Delhi airport were delayed by an average of 44 minutes.
“Poor weather, caused by heavy thunderstorms and gusty winds, has affected flight operations across parts of Northern India. Some of our flights to and from Delhi are being delayed or diverted, which is likely to impact our overall flight schedule,” said Air India in a travel advisory issued on X on Friday evening.
“Last night’s bad weather has had a cascading effect on flight operations till now,” a spokesperson for the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said.
Passengers took to social media to express their frustration. “AI2220 diverted to Amritsar. In Amristsar since 8.30 with no update on when it will depart. Passengers not allowed to deplane. Worst experience ever. My parents and parents in law are on the plane and overall handling is pathetic (sic),” a passenger posted on social media Friday night.
On Saturday morning, another passenger took to X, saying: “Flight AI2725 was supposed to fly by 8:00 am on 12th April, but still no update, either on display or by any Air India crew. What kind of service ur providing?”
“Flight 6E 2198 from Kolkata to Delhi – this was scheduled to depart from Kol at 21:15 yesterday. As of now it is now supposed to depart at 3:10 after several delays through the night. The reason being given is bad weather at Delhi. It is bad weather even now?! Really?!” another commuter wrote.
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The delays also led to chaos at the airport. “There is total chaos at Terminal 3. @airindia please at least provide update on flights. Boards are not getting updated. There is no Air India staff to help or provide any update. @DelhiAirport @DelhiAirportGMR,” a passenger posted on social media.
Delhi airport is also currently functioning with one less runway than usual, adding to the disruption in flight operations. Runway 10/28 is being upgraded to enable low visibility operations from both ends before the next winter. “Delhi airport is currently undergoing essential runway upgrades… We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimize any potential impact on flight operations,” the airport had posted on X on Wednesday.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd