Delhi airport diverts flights after heavy rains and dust storm

Key Takeaways

• On May 21, 2025, 13 flights diverted from Delhi Airport during a dust storm and heavy rains.
• More than 50 flights delayed as visibility dropped near zero between 7:45 and 8:45 pm.
• Airlines IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet responded with real-time updates and passenger assistance.

On the evening of May 21, 2025, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) faced a major operational crisis. A sudden dust storm, followed by heavy rains and thunderstorms, swept across the city, causing chaos for travelers and airport staff alike. Within just one hour—from 7:45 pm to 8:45 pm—13 flights were diverted (12 to Jaipur, 1 to Mumbai), and more than 50 additional flights were delayed. The event left thousands of passengers stranded, disrupted travel plans, and highlighted the ongoing challenges of managing air travel during extreme weather, especially at one of the world’s busiest airports.

This article explains what happened at Delhi airport during the storm, how airlines and authorities responded, and what passengers can do when faced with similar disruptions. It also looks at the broader impact of such events on immigration, travel, and airport operations in India.

What Happened at Delhi Airport on May 21, 2025?

A powerful dust storm hit Delhi in the early evening, quickly followed by heavy rains and intense thunderstorms. The sudden change in weather brought visibility at IGIA down to nearly zero. For airport operations, visibility is critical—pilots and air traffic controllers rely on clear conditions for safe take-offs and landings. When visibility drops so low, safety protocols require that flights be delayed, diverted, or even canceled.

Key facts from the event:

• 13 flights diverted: 12 domestic flights were sent to Jaipur, and one international flight was diverted to Mumbai.
• 50+ flights delayed: Many more flights were held on the ground or in the air, waiting for conditions to improve.
  – Airlines affected: Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, and others.
• Timeframe: The worst disruptions occurred between 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm.
• Passenger impact: Hundreds of travelers faced long waits, missed connections, and confusion about their next steps.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, weather-related disruptions at major airports like Delhi are not uncommon, but the combination of a dust storm and heavy rain made this event especially challenging.

How Did Airlines and Authorities Respond?

Immediate Actions

As soon as the weather turned dangerous, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the airport operator, activated emergency protocols. This included:

• Suspending take-offs and landings until visibility improved.
• Diverting incoming flights to nearby airports (mainly Jaipur and Mumbai).
• Issuing advisories on social media and the airport website, urging passengers to check flight status before leaving home.

Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet also responded quickly. They posted real-time updates, sent text messages and emails to affected passengers, and advised travelers to allow extra time for travel due to waterlogged roads and traffic jams around the airport.

DIAL’s official statement:

“Due to inclement weather conditions and thunderstorms in Delhi, flight operations may get impacted at Delhi Airport. Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information.”

Passenger Management

For those already at the airport, airline staff and ground crews worked to:

• Provide updates about delays and diversions.
• Assist with rebooking for missed or canceled flights.
• Guide passengers to waiting areas or help them find accommodation if needed.

Some passengers took to social media to express their frustration about delays and lack of information, while others praised the staff for their efforts to keep everyone informed.

Aircraft Safety

One notable incident involved an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar, which encountered a hailstorm. The plane landed safely, but was grounded for a full technical inspection before it could fly again. This is standard procedure after severe weather to ensure passenger safety.

Why Do Weather Events Cause So Much Disruption at Airports?

Airports are complex systems that depend on precise timing and coordination. When a sudden weather event hits, it can disrupt every part of the operation:

• Visibility: Pilots need to see the runway to land safely. If visibility drops, flights must be delayed or diverted.
• Runway conditions: Heavy rain can make runways slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Air traffic control: Controllers must manage dozens of planes in the air and on the ground, rerouting flights as needed.
• Ground operations: Waterlogged roads and flooded taxiways slow down baggage handling, refueling, and passenger movement.

At Delhi airport, these challenges were made worse by ongoing maintenance work. Only three of the airport’s four runways were in use, reducing capacity and making it harder to recover from delays.

What Should Passengers Do During Flight Disruptions?

If you’re traveling during the monsoon or storm season, it’s important to be prepared for possible delays or diversions. Here’s a step-by-step guide for passengers affected by events like the one at Delhi airport:

1. Check Your Flight Status

Before leaving for the airport, always check your flight’s status on the airline’s website, mobile app, or social media channels. During major disruptions, airlines post frequent updates.

• Delhi International Airport flight status: www.newdelhiairport.in
• IndiGo: www.goindigo.in
• Air India: www.airindia.com
• SpiceJet: www.spicejet.com

2. Follow Airline Instructions

If your flight is delayed or diverted:

• Listen for announcements at the airport.
• Follow directions from airline staff.
• If your flight is diverted to another city (like Jaipur or Mumbai), ask about onward travel options or rebooking.

3. Arrange Ground Transportation

If you land at a diversion airport, airlines may provide buses or help you arrange your own transportation. Keep receipts for any extra expenses—you may be able to claim reimbursement later.

4. Stay Safe and Patient

Remember, safety is the top priority. Aircraft affected by hail or turbulence must be inspected before flying again. Delays are frustrating, but they are meant to protect passengers and crew.

How Do These Disruptions Affect Immigration and International Travelers?

For international travelers, flight diversions and delays can have extra consequences:

• Missed connections: If you miss a connecting international flight, you may need to rebook and could face long waits for the next available flight.
• Visa issues: Some travelers may worry about overstaying their visa if they are stuck in India longer than planned. In such cases, contact your airline and the immigration desk at the airport for guidance.
• Customs and immigration checks: If your flight is diverted to another city, you may have to clear customs and immigration there instead of your original destination.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) recommend that international travelers keep all travel documents handy and stay in touch with airline staff for instructions.

For official information on Indian immigration and visa policies, visit the Bureau of Immigration, Government of India.

What Are the Policy and Operational Implications?

Airport Operations

Delhi airport’s response to the May 21 event shows the importance of:

• Contingency planning: Having clear protocols for weather emergencies.
• Real-time communication: Using social media, websites, and announcements to keep passengers informed.
• Coordination: Working closely with airlines, ground staff, and government agencies.

Government Response

Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu called for urgent review meetings after the incident. The focus is on:

• Improving coordination between airport authorities and airlines.
• Enhancing communication with passengers.
• Reviewing runway maintenance schedules to minimize capacity constraints during peak travel seasons.

Airlines’ Perspective

Airlines emphasized that weather disruptions are beyond their control, but they are committed to passenger safety and timely updates. IndiGo and Air India both highlighted the need for patience and understanding during such events.

Real-Life Scenarios: How Passengers Were Affected

Example 1:
A family traveling from Delhi to Mumbai found their flight diverted to Jaipur. They had to wait several hours at Jaipur airport before being rebooked on another flight. The airline provided food vouchers and helped arrange a taxi for their onward journey.

Example 2:
An international student flying from Singapore to Delhi was diverted to Mumbai. She missed her connecting train to her university town and had to spend the night in Mumbai. The airline provided hotel accommodation and rebooked her on a morning flight to Delhi.

Example 3:
A business traveler stuck inside a plane on the tarmac for over two hours praised the crew for regular updates and water distribution, even as frustration grew among passengers.

These examples show how weather events can disrupt plans, but also how airport and airline staff work to support travelers during difficult times.

Historical Context: Weather and Delhi Airport

Delhi’s IGIA is India’s busiest airport, handling millions of passengers each year. The city’s weather can change rapidly, especially during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Dust storms, heavy rains, and thunderstorms are common, and have caused major disruptions in the past.

In recent months, the airport has operated with only three runways due to maintenance work. This reduces flexibility and makes it harder to recover from delays. According to VisaVerge.com, similar weather events in previous years have led to hundreds of flight delays and diversions, highlighting the need for ongoing improvements in airport infrastructure and emergency planning.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Delhi Airport and Passengers?

Runway Upgrades

• Runway 28/10 is currently under maintenance, with work scheduled to resume on June 15, 2025.
• The upgraded runway is expected to reopen permanently by September 15, 2025, increasing capacity and resilience to future disruptions.

Policy Improvements

Authorities are reviewing:

• Contingency protocols for extreme weather.
• Communication strategies to keep passengers better informed.
• Inter-agency coordination to speed up recovery after disruptions.

Advanced Weather Monitoring

There is a push for better weather forecasting and earlier warnings, so airports and airlines can adjust schedules before storms hit.

Summary Table: Key Facts from May 21, 2025

Practical Takeaways for Travelers

• Always check flight status before heading to the airport, especially during stormy weather.
• Sign up for airline alerts and follow airport social media for real-time updates.
• Keep travel documents handy in case of diversions or immigration checks at a different airport.
• Be patient and follow staff instructions—safety comes first.
• Save receipts for extra expenses; you may be able to claim reimbursement from your airline.

For more information about Delhi airport and official updates, visit Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL).

Conclusion

The severe weather event at Delhi airport on May 21, 2025, is a reminder of how quickly travel plans can change due to forces beyond anyone’s control. While airlines and airport authorities acted quickly to protect passenger safety and restore normal operations, the incident exposed the ongoing challenges of managing air travel during extreme weather—especially when infrastructure is under strain.

For travelers, preparation and flexibility are key. For authorities, the focus remains on improving communication, upgrading infrastructure, and refining emergency protocols to keep India’s busiest airport running smoothly, no matter what the weather brings.

Learn Today

Flight Diversion → Redirecting a scheduled flight to an alternate airport due to safety or operational issues.
Visibility → The distance pilots can clearly see to safely land or take off during flight operations.
Runway Maintenance → Scheduled repair and upgrade work on airport runways affecting flight capacity and operations.
Emergency Protocols → Safety procedures activated by airports and airlines during unexpected events to protect passengers.
Immigration Desk → Airport area where officials check travelers’ legal documents and visas upon entry or diversion.

This Article in a Nutshell

On May 21, 2025, Delhi Airport faced a severe dust storm causing 13 flight diversions and 50 delays. Airport and airlines activated emergency protocols, prioritized safety, and assisted stranded passengers amid challenging weather and reduced runway capacity during ongoing maintenance.
— By VisaVerge.com

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