Though Delhi-NCR woke up to a fresh spell of rainfall bringing much-needed respite from the heatwaves, air travel in New Delhi is facing disruption because of a sudden shift in weather. The rain, thunderstorms, accompanied with winds swept across Delhi-NCR, which has impacted flight schedules at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The wind speeds were recorded up to 40–50 km/hr. IMD has also issued a yellow alert, with spells of rain expected through the day. Prominent airlines, including SpiceJet and IndiGo, issued travel advisories warning passengers of potential delays. The city experienced light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning. SpiceJet travel advisory SpiceJet took to#WeatherUpdate: Due to bad weather in Delhi (DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may be affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via http://spicejet.com/#status.IndiGo’s travel advisory “Bad weather over #Delhi has impacted flight schedules.We are closely monitoring the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly. We request that you stay updated on your flight status via http://bit.ly/4bCoWYk or app.Please be assured that our teams are here to assist you at every step and provide full support.We look forward to clearer skies and a swift return to our regular schedule. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”Why sudden weather changeThunderstorms and speedy winds are not considered good for air travel as these can cause serious operational challenges for airports. Heavy rains, reduced visibility, wind shear, and lightning risks can delay take-offs and landings. Even a small weather disturbance can have a major ripple effect.Relief from heat, but challenges for travelFor those flying in or out of Delhi, the main concern is uncertainty of flights. Delays in early morning or afternoon flights can affect connecting flights later in the day. Flyers may also face longer waiting times.Although no cancellation is widely reported yet, the advisory from airlines indicates operational delays because of the weather.Travelers are advised: To check real-time flight status before leaving for the airportTrust official information onlyLeave extra time for airport transfers Stay in touch with airline customer support for rebooking options if neededBeing patient is the key!
